POLICE have said that patrols have been stepped up in an anti-social behaviour hotspot in Aberystwyth after residents were left “fearing for their safety”.

As the Cambrian News reported earlier this month, politicians met with people living along South Road to hear their concerns over the drug and alcohol issues fuelling anti-social behaviour in the area.

One resident said that threatening behaviour from people living in flats in the area has left them fearing for their safety.

Police now say they have made “multiple arrests” for a variety of offences in the area, and have stepped up active patrols to ease community concerns.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson told the Cambrian News this week that officers had “responded to a variety of calls in the South Road area of Aberystwyth in recent months, which have included alleged drugs offences, anti-social behaviour, missing person reports and suspicious incidents.”

“In response to incidents and intelligence, local Response teams and the designated Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have increased their proactive patrolling presence with the aim of providing further reassurance to the community,” the police spokesperson said.

“The NPT works closely with partner agencies to identify key areas of concern and take action where necessary.

“Multiple arrests have been made and we have worked with partners to identify and address disruptive residents.

“Last year a designated NPT Constable was appointed to cover Aberystwyth town centre.

“This new role was developed to target any ongoing issues within the town and prevent issues before they may arise, working closely with agencies such as housing, adult social services and mental health teams.”

Partnerships Inspector for Ceredigion, Ashley Brice, added: “Our officers continue to provide a visible presence throughout the ward remain committed to addressing community concerns.

“Initiatives such as ‘Meet the Street’ give residents the opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions with officers directly, which in turn gives us the opportunity to address those issues.”

Local councillor Kerry Ferguson said the issue had been widely discussed at a “well attended public meeting” which was held back in October with fellow local councillor Endaf Edwards.

She said that she had contacted many organisations in a bid to tackle the problems.

Mid and West Wales MS, Jane Dodds, along with former Ceredigion MP, Mark Williams and town councillor, Mair Benjamin, met with residents in early December to back their calls for something to be done.

Mr Williams said: “I am saddened to see the situation around South Road and Maesyrafon has deteriorated so much.

“A number of residents have now expressed that they are seriously concerned for their safety and it is simply not on.”