Swansea Council is taking action to protect residents living in Swansea's Mayhill following a riot which saw cars set on fire and rolled down a hill.
Those living near the site of the riot, in Waun Wen Road, on Thursday, May 20, will get the opportunity to discuss options for improvements that are aimed at combatting further anti-social behaviour in the area.
Following the trouble, which saw vehicles set alight after being crashed into parked cars, part of the immediate response from Swansea Council saw temporary concrete barriers installed at the junction of Waun Wen Road and Long Ridge. It was there that an empty car was rolled down the hill, smashed through barriers and launched into a parked vehicle.
One of the residents whose car was set on fire, Adam Romain, filmed startling footage of the riot, with flames leaping from his vehicle outside his home and rocks being thrown through his windows. You can watch that footage here.
READ MORE: Life on the hill where the Swansea riot erupted
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More measures will be introduced later this month, including the installation of concrete planters at the junction of Waun Wen Road and High View and a temporary road closure at the junction of Waun Wen Road and Long Ridge.
Mark Thomas, the council's cabinet member for environment enhancement and infrastructure management, explained that it was hoped the new measures would "provide residents with some peace of mind".
He said: "On the night of the riots and in the morning after, we were there, side-by-side with residents, clearing up in the aftermath of the disgusting behaviour of a few. On the same day we introduced temporary barriers to deter a repeat of the damage done to vehicles and property.
"We know that what happened is not reflective of the people of Waun Wen or Mayhill and since the events of last month we have been working with locals who’ve rallied round to support those affected by what happened. The further introduction of concrete planters will also help prevent vehicular access to this section of road and will hopefully provide residents with some peace of mind while we develop more permanent measures.
"Our long term aim will be to invest in green infrastructure that will not only provide physical measures to reduce anti-social behaviour at the location, but will also enhance the immediate area and hopefully make residents feel more secure in their community."
The rioting was sparked by the sudden death of Ethan Powell, but had been planned as a peaceful vigil to remember him. His dad Jonathan Russ later called for the violence to stop, saying his son would never have wanted such scenes in his name.
Twenty people have so far been arrested in connection with the rioting. They are aged between 23 and 29. The police investigation is continuing. The South Wales Police force has also faced serious questions over its handling of the incident on the night.
Swansea Council said it had recently been in touch with residents in the streets where the measures were being introduced to encourage them to share their views and reassure them of the efforts being made for a safer community.
Mr Thomas added: "We want this to be a community-led scheme which gives residents the opportunity to take ownership of where they live. Everyone who saw the images of the recent events were horrified by what took place but the council wants to reassure residents we will continue to work with them to make their community more secure and a better place to live."
