Anti-social behaviour reports in Tredegar have nearly tripled in the last three years
More than 550 people have signed a petition after residents reported rising disorder, with Blaenau Gwent Council data showing a significant increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour.
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Today, we have a story for you based on a petition signed by more than 550 people urging Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to take stronger action against rising anti-social behaviour in Tredegar town centre, with residents describing problems including public drinking, drug use, vandalism, intimidation, and violence. Council figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request show reports of anti-social behaviour increased from eight in each of the previous two years to 23 between July 2025 and June 2026.
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The Valleys Briefing
(A little round-up of some stories in brief from our valleys. Anytime you have something you’d like to share, no matter how big or small, email laurencrosbymedlicott@gmail.com):
Plans to build a new all through 3-19 Welsh medium secondary school in Rhondda Cynon Taf have been submitted. The application submitted by the Council involves the demolition of the existing school and associated buildings at Ysgol Llanhari and the construction of a new all through 3-19 Welsh medium school.
The plans for the school on Addison Avenue in Llanharry also include a 3G pitch, multi use games areas, floodlighting, car and coach parking, a drop-off and pick-up facility, cycle and bin stores, air source heat pumps, solar panels and associated works. It would accommodate 910 pupils made up of 210 primary and 700 secondary places as well as 100 sixth form pupils. The school would have a 30 place nursery, a dedicated early years childcare facility with capacity for at least 40 children, a fully operational kitchen adjacent to the main hall and dining area and a community classroom with segregated access.
This isn’t entirely new news, but will impact factory workers in Merthyr Tydfil, so we thought we should let you know about it. At the end of June, meat processor Kepak confirmed that it has entered a formal consultation process at its Merthyr Tydfil site, with a number of redundancies to be confirmed. According to reports, 85 jobs could be at risk as a result of the consultation. The company said declining herd numbers and evolving market conditions are affecting its operations, but confirmed that the Merthyr Tydfil site would remain operational.
Revealed: Anti-social behaviour reports in Tredegar have nearly tripled in the last three years
A petition calling for Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to “act decisively” to end anti-social behaviour in Tredegar’s town centre has been signed by over 550 people.
“Tredegar Town Centre is a cherished place for residents, businesses, and visitors,” the petition starter, Jay Davies, wrote. “However, in recent years, it has become increasingly plagued by issues that not only tarnish its reputation but also compromise the safety and wellbeing of everyone who calls or visits Tredegar home. Public drinking, drug use, loitering, and various forms of anti-social behaviour are turning our beloved town centre into a hub of unwanted activities. This is not the Tredegar we wish to see.”
Michelle Davies has lived in Tredegar for the last 25 years and told The Valleys Lead residents on her estate near town centre have “suffered so much abuse and anti-social behaviour.”
She said that children gather after school to fight, cars, fences, and gates have been damaged, and on several occasions, elderly and disabled people have been “verbally abused and threatened.”
“Myself and another resident stand on the gate access to stop kids coming through,” Michelle said. “We are currently battling to have our alleyway access blocked to stop access to our estate.”
Many residents have experienced the same behaviours, and have written extensively on community Facebook groups, and now on the petition, calling for something to be done.
A Freedom of Information Request to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council made by The Valleys Lead revealed that there has indeed been an increase of anti-social behaviour in Tredegar.
From 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, there were eight reports to the Council of anti-social behaviour in Tredegar.
Between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, there were eight reports again in total.
And then from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, 23 reports of anti-social behaviour made to the local authority.
The Valleys Lead has also requested similar figures of reports made to Gwent Police. We haven’t yet had a response but will keep you posted on their response.
Michelle told The Valleys Lead she has reported her concerns to Labour MP Nick Smith, but the only response as far as Michelle knows is that his secretary rings the housing association to “prompt them.”
