ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour has reduced enormously thanks to CCTV in an Abergavenny car park.

At the Partners and Community Together (PACT) meeting held this month in the Priory Ward, residents thanked the Police and Monmouthshire CCTV for their work in dealing with incidents of antisocial behaviour within Fairfield car park.

Residents reported that there had been a significant drop in antisocial behaviour since the introduction of CCTV last October.

PC Angela Rees, the Ward Officer said, "There has been a significant drop in such incidents being reported by residents and we are pleased that this has improved the the quality of life for those living nearby; we are working closely with Monmouthshire CCTV and we are looking at ways in which we can ensure that problems do not return to the location."

Chris Norman the CCTV Development Officer for Monmouthshire County Council said "CCTV was introduced into the car park as a direct result of concerns being raised by local citizens and was part of the problem solving approach used by the police and ourselves to gather up any evidence of antisocial behaviour.

"Since the introduction of the CCTV into the car park the police has reported a significant drop in complaints being made about antisocial behaviour and this can only be good news for all concerned."

During the months of March and April of this year regular monitoring of the car park has taken place.

Letters have been sent directly to the homes of registered owners of vehicles seen using the car park at key times during the week reminding them that CCTV is in operation in an effort to drive down incidents of antisocial behaviour and their cooperation was being asked for. The response was "fantastic," say the team behind the scheme.

"An overwhelming majority of these users took a very positive stance and decided to stay away from the car park; they are to be congratulated and thanked for their support.

"Only a small number have ignored the letter; the Police have asked for and received footage of three alleged incidents of antisocial behaviour during this time and these are being investigated.

"We are working closely with the Authority to put in place an action plan for the car park to make sure the problems do not return during the summer months,"

PC Angela Rees added.