The Blaenau Gwent Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Task Force has been celebrated with a prestigious Wales Safer Communities Award, taking home the top prize in the Anti-Social Behaviour category.

This recognition highlights the Task Force’s innovative partnership approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and improving community safety in Blaenau Gwent.

Established in February 2024, the Task Force is a collaborative effort between Blaenau Gwent Council, Gwent Police, Tai Calon Community Housing, Blaenau Gwent Youth Service, and District Enforcement Community Safety Wardens. This multi-agency partnership aims to prevent, address, and reduce anti-social behaviour by working with residents and businesses, identifying hotspot areas, and providing support, advice, and enforcement.

The Task Force operates through the Council’s public engagement programme, Talk2gether, where residents and businesses are met to understand their concerns. By working closely together, partners have implemented practical solutions such as high-visibility patrols by Community Safety Wardens, the introduction of the Storenet initiative for local businesses, and targeted enforcement against repeat offenders.

Community Safety Wardens, introduced in June, have been instrumental in building trust and proactively addressing issues. Their work has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with local businesses and residents praising their presence and efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The Task Force has also empowered young people at risk of offending through the Youth Service, which engages them in positive activities and community projects that promote pride in their local area.

At the Wrexham Wales Safer Communities Awards ceremony, judges commended the Task Force for its innovative practices, collaborative approach, and measurable impact on residents’ quality of life. The enhanced sense of well-being reduced anti-social behaviour, and positive feedback from businesses and local representatives underscore the partnership’s success.

Councillor Helen Cunningham, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place and Environment at Blaenau Gwent Council, said:

“The Task Force was set up as a response to pockets of anti-social behaviour in our communities here in Blaenau Gwent and as a recognition that no single agency or organisation could tackle this alone. The Task Force has a joint commitment to bringing about real change and making our communities safer. We’ve made some real good progress in this work and I’m pleased that the Wales Safer Communities Award recognises this and praises the true partnership ethos behind it. The Task Force has much more work to do, and all partners remained fully focussed on supporting our communities, listening to and acting on their concerns. Thank you to everyone involved with this work, including residents and businesses.”

Rachel Rees, Head of Housing at Tai Calon Community Housing, added:

“This award underscores the incredible impact of collaboration between key partners like Tai Calon, Gwent Police, Blaenau Gwent Youth Services, and District Enforcement. It reflects our shared commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour and creating safer, more vibrant communities in Blaenau Gwent.”

Chief Inspector Stevie Warden of Gwent Police commented:

“We regularly work with task force partners in local schools and engage with residents to ensure they’re aware of their actions and the huge impact disorderly behaviour can have on their town and neighbours, but to also learn more about the issues acutely affecting them. I’d like to thank our partners, but also say we’ve got plenty of work still to do and we remain committed to lowering anti-social behaviour across the borough.”

The Task Force’s efforts continue to evolve, with regular meetings to review community intelligence, agree on priority areas, and allocate resources effectively. Enforcement actions have already resulted in sanctions against repeat offenders, including exclusion orders for individuals causing harm to communities.

The partnership will also engage with residents at upcoming Christmas events, continuing its commitment to listening to community concerns and providing support.

The National Community Safety Awards are an annual platform recognising exceptional contributions to community safety across Wales. The ASB Task Force’s win celebrates their achievements. It is a model for best practices in tackling anti-social behaviour and fostering safer, more cohesive communities.