Caia Park: Anti-social youths 'wreaking havoc' at Venture children's playground

The police have been urged to tackle the group after a children's playground had to be closed early due to their presence.

At a meeting of Caia Park Community Council, Wynnstay ward Cllr Linda Platt, who manages the Venture, said this particular group of youngsters was wreaking havoc and causing others to miss out.

She said: "They are targeting the most vulnerable residents in our community and now they are bringing it to the playground.

"At the moment, I'm struggling to control the situation and last Friday had to shut the playground down, stopping other youngsters from accessing something which is badly needed."

PCSO Nicholas Perry said there had been problems with youths in the Gwenfro Valley area and they are "currently being dealt with". He added that there had been five incidents involving one particular youth.

He said: "They are a well-known group. We are going to let housing and tenancy enforcement know, and going to do a joint visit to give them a bit of a scare."

Chief officer of the Venture, and chair of the community council, Wynnstay ward County Cllr Malcolm King added: "The ringleader is extremely well-known to police but lives outside the area.

"Lots of residents are suffering quite a bit at the moment.

PCSO Perry said officers would stop by the Venture more often and would "take positive action", adding "they are not just gong to get away with it".

Members also expressed concerns that due to absences there are currently just three PCSO's covering the whole of the estate.

Cllr King said: "I'm worried there are only three PCSO's for Caia Park when there used to be five police officers and five PCSO's."

Cartrefle ward Cllr Brian Halley added: "It's a farce. Does anyone think Caia Park is so much better now that we can cope with just three PCSO's?"

The council agreed to write to senior officers, and the lead member for public protection and community safety at Wrexham Council, with their concerns.