Persistent vandalism and anti-social behaviour at two of Pembrokeshire’s most well used but unmanned train stations over the holiday period, has seen local councillors turn to the British Transport Police to try and eradicate the issue.
At the recent meeting of Kilgetty/Begelly Community Council, county councillor for the ward Cllr Alistair Cameron said that he and Cllr Paul Wyatt attended a multi-agency meeting with the police and other agencies to discuss the continuing problems at a number of locations in Kilgetty including at the Railway Station, Miner’s Field, underpass and near the Community Centre.
“There are enhanced police patrols continuing in Kilgetty and there will also be joint police and fire service patrols,” said Cllr Cameron.
“British Transport Police and Transport for Wales are being contacted about the need to deal with the problems and ensure safety at the Railway Station. This will include education in the dangers at a station including to not trespass on the railway line.
“I will be contacting the County Council to request lighting on the footpath leading to Newton Heights to make this area of the Miner’s Field safer.
“As advised at the last Council meeting, please report all instances to the Police using 101 or on the Dyfed-Powys police website so that they can build up a record and patrols can be undertaken,” added Cllr Cameron, who said that councillors were due to hold another multi-agency meeting on August 10, to follow up the actions.
County councillor for the Kilgetty and Begelly ward Cllr Alistair Cameron told the Community Council that the village’s Railway Station was consistently being targeted by vandals, whilst there were also continuing anti-social problems at a number of other locations in the area.
In Tenby, the station which is the first impression that the hundreds visitors each day to the seaside town get when they arrive, has also been hit by persistent vandalism and littering problems in recent weeks.
“There is continuing vandalism to the station building which no one seems to be bothered with!” said John Perrett who took over station adoption duties at Tenby back in 2019.
“Last month Transport For Wales installed six new planters - three on each platform, but unfortunately some of these were vandalised within days of being installed!” he added.