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The Bowls Hall car park in Bridgend has historically been a hotspot for youth and vehicle annoyance, and subject to a lot of anti-social behaviour (ASB) complaints. Several multi-agency meetings were held to try and resolve the issue without penalising members of the public legitimately using the car park to access local facilities in the evening.
A range of visual improvements were made to the location including a substantial street art project to make the area more vibrant, visually attractive and promote feelings of safety. Bridgend Council, Safer Bridgend Community Safety Team, Police Youth Volunteers and Youth Provisions set up a number of workshops to engage young people in the process, along with artists Another Day Another Spray, THEW Creative and Abys. This included individuals who were part of the ASB Staged Intervention process and were being supported through the Youth Justice Service. Those who were witnessed to be hanging around the area were also invited to take part.
The involvement of the young people was key and whilst some were initially hard to engage with, they all settled into the workshop. Detached youth workers attended to support young people and signpost them to existing youth provisions. Strong messages were shared during this work discouraging ASB and advising of the consequences, and leaflet drops were also carried out in surrounding residential streets to encourage the reporting of ASB and advising of the routes to do so.
The combination of these efforts has seen changes in use to the space. The new purposefully designed art has replaced old graffiti and features designs which are linked to Bridgend. The area has seen a reduction in youth annoyance and vehicle owners are now attending to take photographs of their cars in front of the street art rather than causing harassment, alarm or distress. There has also been positive feedback from members of the public who now feel safer using the improved car park space.
The sheltered nature of the car park that made it such an attractive space for ASB has also lent itself well to hosting youth activities and family-friendly fitness workshops, benefitting physical and mental health and making the most of this improved, vibrant space. Most importantly, reports of ASB have significantly decreased in this area since the above works took place. Relationships between residents, Councillors, the Police and the broader partnership have improved as a result of being able to demonstrate positive impact.
The street art has been extended to Porthcawl, Pandy Park and the subways in Brackla and Merthyr Mawr Road. There is also a plan for further street art outside Maesteg Bus Station.
“The street art has really brightened up the bowls hall car park and hopefully this will help residents to feel more comfortable whilst using the facility.
“It’s also pleasing that many young residents have had the chance to take part and I would like to give credit to the street artists, and all involved in the project.”
Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration
The Bridgend Community Safety Partnership was awarded the winner of the Anti-Social Behaviour category at the 2023 Wales Safer Community awards.
