In Caerphilly, South Wales, residents and business owners are facing increasing disruptions due to ongoing anti-social behaviour centred around the town's disused indoor market. Since the closure of the indoor market in January 2023, the old market buildings have become a magnet for acts of vandalism, including frequent fires, smashed windows, and general disorder, according to local accounts.
The latest incident occurred on the evening of 21 April, when a group of children reportedly gained access to the empty buildings behind the old market on Clive Street and deliberately set a fire. The blaze, which broke out at around 6pm, necessitated the closure of nearby roads for approximately two hours while crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) attended the scene to extinguish it. Appliances from Caerphilly, Cardiff Central, and Pontypridd deployed multiple firefighting tools, including breathing apparatus, hose reels, a main jet, thermal imaging cameras, and combi tools to tackle the flames.
A spokesperson for SWFRS provided details of the response: “Crews and appliances from Caerphilly, Cardiff Central and Pontypridd attended the scene. Four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one main jet, two thermal imaging cameras and combi tools were used to extinguish the fire.” Meanwhile, Gwent Police confirmed they are investigating the arson, noting the fire was deliberately set sometime between 6pm and 6.40pm. They reported no injuries from the incident and urged anyone with relevant information or CCTV footage to come forward to assist ongoing inquiries.
Local residents have expressed frustration and concern over the frequent anti-social activity. Dewi Graham, who lives adjacent to the property, described ongoing trespassing by teenagers since the market's closure, remarking to WalesOnline: “My neighbours and myself have seen teenagers going through the gap in building ever since they were emptied. After one of the fires in September, a tall metal gate was erected to stop them gaining access, but you could still watch the school kids simply hopping over it.” Graham added that the motivations behind these actions seemed opportunistic rather than targeted. Another local resident, Bethan Pendry, emphasised the serious danger posed to residents living above the old shops, stating: “Whoever is setting these fires needs a lesson on this. It is so dangerous – fires can go crazy at any second.”
The state of the old market on Pentrebane Street presents a stark contrast to Caerphilly’s newer market development. The modern ‘Ffos Caerffili’ market has gained popularity as a vibrant hub, housing 28 units featuring trendy food and drink outlets, independent shops, workspaces, and a terrace for outdoor dining and events. This new market highlights the clear shift in commercial focus within the town.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced plans to demolish the dilapidated buildings connected to the old market as part of its ‘Caerphilly Town 2035 masterplan.’ The redevelopment will see the creation of a modern apartment complex with 72 properties and seven new commercial units intended to revitalise the area. Council deputy leader Cllr Jamie Pritchard described the upcoming project as “much-needed” and said it will “go some way towards injecting some vibrancy into the area.”
Until the redevelopment commences, however, local businesses and residents continue to grapple with the effects of the anti-social behaviour. Authorities are maintaining their appeal for information that could assist in curbing these incidents and bring those responsible to account.
Members of the public who may have information regarding the fires or other related acts are encouraged to contact Gwent Police via their website, by calling 101, or through direct messages on social media platforms such as Facebook or X, quoting log reference 2500125411. Alternatively, tips can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The situation remains under close watch as the community awaits the transformation promised by the council’s regeneration plans.
Source: Noah Wire Services