The former Penallta Colliery location in Hengoed has experienced a rise in antisocial behaviour during the past twelve months, according to reports.
The abandoned colliery, which ceased operations when British Coal shut it down in 1991, has seen some sections redeveloped into residential properties as part of a project utilising the original pit head structures. The engineers’ hall has already been transformed into dwellings, while plans exist to construct approximately 200 additional homes and restore the protected power hall.
In recent months, the site has reportedly attracted problematic activity. On April 17, Gwent Police logged a complaint regarding an individual who suffered a slight injury after being struck by a stone thrown by a person who could not be identified. Officers from the response team attended but found no one in the vicinity.
Inspector Lysha Thompson of Gwent Police stated that authorities received numerous complaints about antisocial behaviour near the Penallta Colliery throughout the previous year. She explained that officers collaborated with Caerphilly Council and the site’s proprietor to secure the premises. Thompson indicated that a Problem Solving Policing approach was introduced in the locality to tackle the issue, which incorporated an intensive patrol strategy to monitor the location.
According to Gwent Police, this initiative has led to a substantial decrease in complaints, with only seven incidents recorded since December. Thompson observed that while the improvement is encouraging, efforts persist, with the neighbourhood team continuing to hold regular monthly meetings with elected members and local residents to discuss concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhood. This approach, she noted, enables proper deployment of officers and provides a visible reassuring presence for communities.
Officers maintain regular patrols in the area and urge inhabitants to contact Gwent Police about any ongoing issues either by telephoning 101 or through their social media channels.