A PUBLIC meeting was held at a hotel in Llandudno last week following a spate of alleged incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the town.

The meeting took place at 6pm on August 30 at Milverton House, on North Parade.

Gaynor Stanford, of Milverton House, said she called the meeting due to “the kids that have been around town causing loads of trouble, and the police doing nothing about them”.

Among those also in attendance were Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, and Inspector Catherine Walker, of North Wales Police.

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Mr Dunbobbin said he sympathised with the hoteliers, whom he said are “at their wits’ end”.

He said: “I am very grateful for the invitation to listen and speak with the hard-working Llandudno hoteliers on Wednesday evening.

“This is the second meeting in Llandudno I’ve attended in as many months regarding antisocial behaviour.

“I am also grateful to Inspector Catherine Walker for being present to answer any operational questions.

“ASB is classed as a ‘low-level’ crime, but the impact it has on communities, individuals and businesses is huge.

“With this latest meeting – where hoteliers are at their wits’ end, where their livelihoods are at risk of being compromised, and their emotional personal turmoil – this issue is something that I take extremely seriously.

“I have encouraged the hoteliers to report any further incidents to the police. I look forward to continue working with the hoteliers and others involved.”

Inspector Walker added: “I am fully aware of recent incidents at local hotels involving youths and sympathise with the hoteliers in relation to their concerns and frustrations.

“Having attended the recent meetings with local hoteliers, I appreciate the negative impact these incidents are having on the hospitality sector in Llandudno and want to work with the public to deal with these issues.

“North Wales Police is taking a robust approach in tackling those responsible.

“We have recently dedicated patrols to deal with the anti-social behaviour, targeting hot spot areas in Llandudno with high visibility patrols and attendance at engagement meetings with local youth clubs through which we have seen a reduction in the number of incidents.

“We encourage members of the public to report all incidents to us. We continue to work with our partner agencies in order to provide a longer-term solution.”

Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for the Aberconwy constituency, said she has written to North Wales Police’s chief constable, Amanda Blakeman, following the incident.

She added: “I understand why residents are concerned. 

“Our town is built on hospitality, and to hear that hoteliers can no longer keep their doors open, are forced to install CCTV to protect their property, and are receiving negative reviews because of ASB, is obviously very disappointing.

“I understand that she (Ms Blakeman) is driving forward several local initiatives, such as dispersal orders. These need to be communicated and implemented at the earliest possible opportunity.

“Whilst the immediate short-term solution appears to rest with North Wales Police, I recognise that a longer term solution requires a multi-agency approach.

“You can be sure that I am doing what I can to support and deliver for constituents.”

Cllr Harry Saville, of the Llanudndo-based Gogarth Mostyn ward, added: “ASB has been an issue in Llandudno over recent months and North Wales Police must take robust action to tackle this. 

“I’d like to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner for taking an interest in these problems in Llandudno and meeting with residents to listen to their experiences and consider how best this problem can be tackled.”