CCTV cameras for Rhoose and Llantwity Major transport interchanges - 21/09/06

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet has agreed to the installation of CCTV cameras at the Llantwit Major and Rhoose transport interchanges.

 

The move, which will be funded by a Welsh Assembly Transport Grant, comes just 16 months after the reopening of the Vale railway line to passenger traffic – a period in which both sites have been the subject of a series of incidents including criminal damage, vehicle and bicycle crime, trespass and violence.

 

The Police have reported 12 and five incidents respectively at Llantwit and Rhoose since January, the most recent at the former being vandalism to the main access ramp which included a full length of hand rail for the disabled being ripped off. It is expected that repairs will run into thousands of pounds. The bus shelter at Llantwit has also been vandalised on several occasions.

 

The Cabinet also heard that bus shelters at Rhoose had suffered significant damage, the car park was the scene of reckless driving at night and the park and ride facilities were under utilised by train passengers due to the fear of vehicle crime.

 

The situation has been the subject of talks between the Police and Council officers, and Council Leader Cllr Jeffrey James said: "We are determined to reassure those who use the interchanges that, with the support of partners, we will be striving to tackle problems at the earliest opportunity.

 

"The reopening of the line to passenger traffic has definitely provided a major boost to the area, and it is deeply disappointing that a minority are causing problems at both these sites."

 

The installation of the cameras will be subject to planning permission, and Cllr James added: ""I am sure the move will help create a safer environment for users of the lines and interchanges as well the wider communities in Rhoose and Llantwit Major."