Police are to carry out targeted patrols at Narberth Castle in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour. Officers from the town's police station will be undertaking checks to deter offensive behaviour continuing at the remains.
County councillor Wynne Evans alerted police to problems occurring at the castle after visiting the site on Tuesday and discovering what he has described as 'an appaling sight'.
"There were remains of bonfires, stones had been removed from the walls and thrown into the church graveyard, dog fouling, and evidence of alcohol having been drunk there," Clr. Evans told the Observer yesterday (Thursday).
"But what was more horrifying was that I found a syringe which I have now disposed of safely." Clr. Evans contacted Sergeant Andy King at the town's police station and officers will be carrying out targeted patrols to reassure custodians of the castle and local residents and to deter anti-social activities taking place in the grounds.
Continued Clr. Evans: "I have spoken to local residents who are concerned about young people congregating at the castle in the day and at night. "I am not prepared to tolerate this type of anti- social behaviour and I thank the police for agreeing to patrol the area.
"The castle was opened for the benefit of local residents and holidaymakers, not to be abused in this way."
Clr. Evans said he would also be speaking to the town's Mayor and the town council, who are responsible for maintaining the castle, with a view to a joint approach to maintaining the grounds. When contacted by the Observer, town councillor David Norcross said he was 'disappointed' about the current state of the castle.
He said: "A few members of the community do regularly visit the castle and empty the dustbin (which was donated anonymously) as this is well- used by responsible dog owners. Unfortunately, there's still a very few owners who continue to allow their dogs to use the grounds as a toilet with total disregard for the health of others.
"The greatest concern is the dangerous practice of drinking down there and smashing the bottles against the walls, and recently, fires have been started which increases the uncared for look. The wooden castle may have been burnt down 1,000 years ago; this does not need to be repeated today.
"As before, it is a few who spoil it for the majority. If anyone has knowledge of the abusers of the castle and its grounds, please inform the town clerk or preferably the police.
"As I have done previously, may I ask that if the people of Narberth care and are proud of the castle, please respect it. The town council have only the responsibility for ground maintainence which we budget for - all other maintainence is the responsibility of the county council.
"However, there are a few who quietly support and are the unsung heroes to keeping the castle in good repair. If anyone wants to help maintain the grounds by joining a rubbish clearance rota, please contact our town clerk, Mrs. Caroline Coaker, on (01834) 860924."