Residents' drug and anti-social behaviour concerns at Rhos Dyfed: what housing association and police say

Newydd promises CCTV exploration, extra patrols and waste collections; figures on complaints still to come

Newydd Housing Association says it is exploring CCTV, extra waste collections and a stronger presence on the Rhos Dyfed estate in Aberaman, following residents’ reports of drug-related activity and anti-social behaviour.

The concerns were raised with police at the Aberaman PACT meeting on 30 September, where a local councillor asked the PCSO to keep councillors informed about developments on the estate.

What residents say

Residents described their experiences in a Valley Times Facebook post on 17 September. They reported discarded needles, property damage, and fights over drugs in the street while children were nearby. They also described people coming and going from a particular address at all hours, and early-morning police arrests.

Residents said rubbish was thrown at a young mother’s flat after she called police about late-night disturbances. They also reported people being sick outside front doors, including beneath a toddler’s bedroom window.

Some residents claim the estate was previously designated as a family area. They allege that nine flats have since been allocated to Platfform, a homelessness organisation, and that people have been moved in from prisons and mental health facilities. These claims have not been verified.

Newydd’s response

In a statement, Newydd said it recognises residents’ safety concerns and the impact of anti-social behaviour on the community. It said it takes all reports seriously and works closely with South Wales Police and other partners.

Measures in the area include:

exploring CCTV cameras
additional collections of incorrectly disposed waste
an increased presence from Newydd and South Wales Police

Residents are urged to report incidents as they happen, with as much detail and evidence as possible. Newydd said that where there is sufficient evidence, it will consider “all appropriate enforcement options”.

On allocations, Newydd said there have been no significant changes to how it allocates homes, which is governed by its lettings arrangements and the relevant local authority framework. It said it works with statutory and voluntary-sector partners but does not comment on individual tenancies or referrals. It did not directly confirm or deny the arrangement with Platfform or the number of flats involved.

Newydd said staff regularly visit the estate and that its Safer Communities Team works with tenants and partner agencies. Operational responsibility sits with Newydd’s housing service, with senior oversight through Cadarn Housing Group’s Housing and Communities leadership. It did not say whether the Board has been briefed.

It said it is checking its records on how many complaints about Rhos Dyfed have gone through its complaints procedure in the past 12 months, and will provide figures separately. It confirmed there have been no formal Ombudsman complaints related to the estate in that period.

Meetings between residents and Newydd, with a local representative present, are due to take place today (7 October). Newydd said it will consider further engagement, and that senior staff remain in contact with local representatives.

Police response

South Wales Police said it will continue high-visibility patrols and community engagement, and that action will be taken against offenders where necessary. It said councillors and partners are being kept informed by email and in-person meetings, and that it works regularly with housing association partners.

The force said the number of incidents reported on the estate over the past 12 months would require a Freedom of Information request. It said a community drop-in session was held on 6 October at 2pm, and further sessions can be arranged if residents want them.

Anyone with concerns is urged to call 101 or report online. In an emergency, call 999.

Platfform

AberdareOnline contacted Platfform, which has a hub at 51 Rhos Dyfed, with questions about its role on the estate, any referrals, the support given to tenants and its willingness to meet residents. Head of Marketing and Communications Aga Antczak-Jones said Newydd will lead on the media response “to keep clear line of communication with the residents”. Platfform answered none of the questions directly.

AberdareOnline is not suggesting any individual supported by Platfform is responsible for the problems described by residents.