REPORTS of people having objects thrown at them, suspected ‘gang tags’ etched into shop windows and ‘huge groups’ of youths roaming the streets have led to an increased police presence in Wath town centre.
A saga that business owners say has become ‘horrendous’ reached boiling point last Friday night and saw buses stopped from entering Wath due to fears over the safety of passengers and staff.
Kay Nordon, who runs dog grooming and pet supplies business Little Buddies, said: “I have something etched into my window. I have only just had it done, and they’ve rubbed food all over it and scratched a gang tag or something into it.
“It’s making me want to move my business, which is thriving here. I can’t have staff frightened to leave work because they might have things thrown at them.”
Owner of Wath Tap Mel Swanwick said: “Last Friday I counted 40 young people stood directly outside our premises.
“Big groups can be intimidating whether they’re causing damage or not.
“I know it’s individuals, not all the kids are bad. Something needs to happen to challenge the behaviour of those individuals.
“We need to work together with the police and local authority and see what we can do.
Bus operator Stagecoach said all services into and out of Wath Bus Station were terminated on Friday due to reports of vandalism.
Operations director Sue Hayes said: “...We temporarily removed our services from the bus station for the safety of our customers and staff whilst the police dealt with the matter.
“We would like to apologise to customers affected and reassure them that this was an isolated incident.”
Wath councillor Alan Atkin said police would be increasing their presence in the town centre over the coming weeks.
“We are experiencing a lot of antisocial behaviour in Wath, especially in the centre,” said Coun Atkin.
“Quite a lot of it is low-level. Shop windows are being scratched. I think these kids think they’re some kind of gang.
“I have spoken to some of the youngsters and typically they just want something to do. Most don’t realise they frighten people, they can be talked to - I’ve explained it to them and they’ve moved on - but it’s usually just two or three that can be awkward.”
Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey said: “We’re being hit in Wath like the rest of South Yorkshire by the big cuts the government has made to policing budgets, and mindless anti-social behaviour in the town centre. Business owners are especially concerned as they’re working hard to make sure Wath town centre bucks the national trend of decline on the nation’s high streets.
“I’ve been working with them to help set up a Wath traders’ group and organised meetings between shop owners, the council and local police to discuss the problems. It’s clear the police need to do more.”
A police spokesman said: “Rotherham North NHP are aware of the ASB issues in Wath. The team are changing their day shift to a later shift to cover the evening and provide a visible policing presence.
“Officers have been speaking to youths in the area to establish why they congregate in those areas. Work is ongoing to tackle ASB issues in the area.”
