TRADERS in a Gwent town are demanding more police on their streets to combat a spiral of vandalism and anti-social behaviour threatening their future.
As reported earlier this week a number of booksellers are considering turning their backs on Blaenavon's historic Broad Street after their shop windows were smashed at the weekend.
The town was granted World Heritage Status in 2000, and two years ago it was transformed into a booktown.
Blaenavon's main streets have seen massive improvement works funded by Assembly conservation grants, but now the rest of the town's traders are calling for action before the dream is shattered by yobs.
The weekend's vandalism is the latest in a long line of incidents.
Chairwoman of Blaenavon Traders and Tourism Association Barbara Lewis said vandals were ruining the progress the town has made over the last five years.
"Traders are meeting next week and we are writing to the chief constable. Something has to be done about the situation," she said.
She added: "We've made such good progress and we don't want to see the town going backwards because of this."
Mrs Lewis said the town would lose out on crucial business if action wasn't taken.
She said traders wanted CCTV installed as soon as possible.
She added: "We all say we haven't got enough police in the town, and there is a communication problem as well."
Chris Rowles, Blaenavon's postmaster said: "This is a regular occurrence.
"It's a small number of people who seem to do what they want.
"We need more police and possibly a zero-tolerance approach to this." Fruit seller Mike George, whose Broad Street shop was targeted two weeks ago, said he is meeting Paul Murphy MP next week to discuss the issue of policing.
Inspector Jo Bull said she was arranging to meet traders to discuss the situation.
She added: "Additional police resources have been put in place in Blaenavon to offer support and reassurance to the community.
"We are also exploring investigative opportunities in relation to criminal activity and to help prevent further offences from taking place in the area."
Councillor Gwyneira Clark, executive member for community safety, said mobile CCTV was "one of a range of options" which could be used to combat vandals and target nuisance behaviour.
Gwent police are appealing for witnesses to the recent acts of vandalism. Call Pontypool police station on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
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