The people of Mayhill and Waun Wen will be able to discuss a wide range of community matters with key figures this Thursday (July 22).
They can visit Mayhill Community Centre any time from 10am-2pm on Thursday to talk with people from organisations such as Swansea Council and South Wales Police.
It’s part of the ongoing response by authorities to the area’s one-off public disturbance two months ago. Agencies already work in the community every day.
The police responded to the May 20 disturbance on the night; the council helped the community immediately afterwards by leading the clean-up, making properties secure and planning new measures to keep people safe.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “This community engagement initiative – coordinated by several agencies – will feature councillors and officers from the council and police who work on community safety and safeguarding. Our local area coordinators will be there.
“A food bank will be running on the same day; this will give those who use it to let us know how they can best be supported as the pandemic continues to evolve.
“We’ll be available for any local residents who’d like to discuss any local matters.
“May 20’s disturbance was the action of a minority and didn’t reflect the wonderful communities of Mayhill and Waun Wen.
“We continue to work side-by-side with families, young people, local councillors and community leaders. It’s essential that we answer questions from the community and work with them as we develop long-term plans to continue to support the area.”
Chief Superintendent Trudi Meyrick said: “Community engagement events are a great way to work with local communities and provide the opportunity for the public to ask all partners about the issues that matter most to them.
“After an extremely difficult 16 months for so many in our community I am hopeful that Thursday’s event is something that local residents will be interested in.
“I would encourage residents to take up the opportunity to be involved, meet with us and have their say in policing where they live. This will help us to address any wider issues that we may not be aware of.”
Covid restrictions will be in place at Thursday’s event, including the need to social distance, to wear masks indoors and to make use of sanitiser made available.
Councillors due to attend include Cllr Stewart, cabinet member Alyson Pugh plus Townhill members Cyril Anderson and Lesley Walton.
Over the past decade the council has continued to invest in the Mayhill and Waun Wen area. Around £50m was invested in improving housing in the area. Last year a £500,000 refurbishment of Seaview Primary School was completed and Townhill Youth Club received £80,000 of support. A £2m state-of-the-art family centre and GP surgery was opened at Mountain View in Mayhill in 2018. More investment is being delivered now in better community facilities and community services.
An independent review into the May 20 incident will offer an opportunity to help prevent similar incidents.
