Success for Operation Bang project in Coedpoeth over Bonfire Night and Halloween

The Safer Neighbourhood Team recently partnered up local businesses and the community to create a project for youths to get involved in over half term.

The work was carried out in the Coedpoeth area as part of this year’s Op Bang campaign – where police say there has historically been an increase in anti-social behaviour and deliberate fire setting during this time of year.

First, a bench with planters was created to place on the edge of the field to be used by the local community. By clearing the area and playing a part in making the bench, youths can take pride in their hard work to improve the community.

The group were then rewarded for their work with a trip to Llandegla Lazer Combat followed by a party back at the youth club in which PCSOs conducted a session on fire safety with a quiz, followed by food and drinks.

PCSO Nichole Smith said: “The project went really well, a lot of members of the community came including members from the local gardening group, members from WHIP and Youth Services as well as the children taking part.

“We made a bench out of wood donated from Huws Gray, food and milk donations were made from the village bakery, Jones Bakery, and Tomlinson’s dairy.

“This was a very successful way for youths to engage with other members of the community and to understand the risks and consequences of anti-social behaviour and deliberate fire setting.”

Op Bang is the annual campaign funded by North Wales Police, North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT), North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Arson Reduction Team (ART).

The funding is given to local policing teams to hold diversionary activities for young people over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to reduce anti-social behaviour and deliberate fire setting.