SOME residents of a Flintshire town are afraid to go out at night due to persistent anti-social behaviour issues involving youths, it has been said.

The Leader met with Buckley Mayor Cllr Charlie Cordery to find out about some of the issues troubling the town at the moment.

Cllr Cordery, who is also chairman of the town's anti-social behaviour working group, explained the common problems include large gatherings of "intimidating" youths near the town centre Spar store, vandalism to public toilets, criminal damage to shop fronts and dangerous e-scooter use within the Precinct Shopping Centre.

He said: "There are people in this town who are afraid to go out at night - that's a view which has been expressed to me a number of times.

"There are congregations of young people by the Spar; not every night, but mainly towards the weekend.

"People can feel intimidated by that.

The Leader: The Spar in the centre of BuckleyThe Spar in the centre of Buckley (Image: Staff)

"We have a massive problem with vandalism at the council owned toilets; it's costing the town council thousands each time."

The Leader has reported previously on damage done to fixtures and fittings within the toilets.

Recently, as well as tipping out flower tubs, vandals have sprayed graffiti inside the building.

"A lot of money has been spent on repainting this," Cllr Cordery said.

"Now there's graffiti across the walls and urinal.

"You try and improve the public realm, and it's worthless because they just damage it again.

"And at the end of the day the decision will come - do we need to close it?

"It is an asset to the town but we can't keep throwing money at it."

Andy White, town events manager, told the Leader: "It has cost a lot of money to repair the toilets and we can't just keep spending public money on them.

"[If the toilets close,] the elderly, disabled and anyone who needs to use them will lose out.

The Leader: Public toilets in BuckleyPublic toilets in Buckley (Image: Staff)

"This is a nice, friendly town, and it's sad because it's always the minority which spoils it.

"We are working with the police and ultimately we do need a stronger police presence in the town.

"We're asking for people to take a bit of pride in the town and for businesses to report incidents if they see them."

Cllr Cordery said there have been a number of shop windows smashed in the centre of the town.

He said: "We need to encourage more robust policing in the town.

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"The PCSOs are doing a great job, but it shouldn't be left just to them.

"I know North Wales Police is stretched, but something as simple as a drive-by with the van would make people feel more secure."

The Mayor said the anti-social behaviour group is aiming to work with all stakeholders in the town, and is encouraging businesses as well as residents and shoppers to report their concerns so they can documented and better addressed.

A Buckley business owner, who did not wish to be named, said: "I don't think the youths even realise what impact their behaviour has

"There's no punishment for them, so they're not bothered to any degree.

"It's a serious problem that starts at home, I think.

"Parents should be more diligent and be aware of what their kids are up to.

"We need more police here - they don't have to be here 24/7. We just need to know they are here and accessible."

The Leader: Buckley Shopping CentreBuckley Shopping Centre (Image: Staff)

A business owner in the Precinct Shopping Centre said: "The biggest problem we have here are the e-scooters and bikes going up and down.

"It's every day and they go full pelt.

"The number of near misses people have is significant and there are children in here as well.

"I think a greater police presence is needed. The PCSOs are doing really well but the kids tend to move when they come, then come back when the officers have gone.

"I'd tell people to know where their kids are but, and I know it sounds awful, some of the parents are as bad as the kids - I've seen it."

Cllr Cordery said he believes some have a "negative view" about Buckley Town Council, and its efforts to resolve the problems.

But he said: "At every meeting, which is on the last Tuesday of every month, there is a row for the public to sit.

"I'd encourage more people to come and see how it works; the town council should work for the community and I'd like to see more people there seeing what goes on."

On his message to the community, he said: "The anti-social behaviour group is proactive.

"It is forward thinking and it is trying to look at the issues and solve them.

"It won't be solved overnight - there are different facets which all need to be addressed, and they will be.

"But the community has a part to play as well as the businesses, the police and the town council; everyone needs to get involved.

"Things are looking good; let's take this town to where it wants to be."

North Wales Police confirmed that Flintshire South Inspector Iwan Jones has a meeting with Buckley Town Council on June 27 to discuss the concerns.