Concern at vandalism on Anglesey coast path

Previously Mr Bennett said the brambles were spoiling the footpath

Vandals are destroying parts of the Anglesey coastal path near Benllech, according to a local resident.

Des Bennett said benches and long lengths of stout timber fencing had been ripped out and burned on the path towards Red Wharf Bay.

He said the vandalism always happened late at night at the weekend.

North Wales Police said it was working with the community council to address the issues, and Anglesey council said it would would replace the fencing.

In 2008 Mr Bennett raised issues of accessibility at the site because he said the undergrowth needed to be cut more frequently to make it easier for less able bodied people to walk along.

We have been in discussing it with the coastal footpaths officer with a view to sorting it out North Wales Police spokesman

But now the benches and fences which were covered in brambles are being destroyed.

"The situation is on the path from Benllech towards Red Wharf Bay," he.

"There is a slope and at the top there was a seat for you to rest on and it was torn out of its moorings and burnt," he added.

Mr Bennett said there were two other seats nearby, but now both those have also been burned, along with lengths of fencing.

"All that's left (of the fence) is the posts, it (the timber) has been forced off and burnt.

Boost tourism

"It happens, at night," he added.

He said that last weekend more lengths of fencing were ripped off.

"You are talking about 18 pieces of six foot long lengths of timber, three inches wide by an inch and a half deep - so it has taken a lot to rip them off," he said.

Mr Bennett said the council and police should work together to stop the vandalism continuing.

"The council is supposed to be generating ideas to boost tourism, but they, and the police, haven't done anything about this," he added.

An Isle of Anglesey County Council spokesperson said; "We are aware of incidents of vandalism in the area.

"The coastal path team will respond if fencing has been damaged."

North Wales Police spokesman said the force were aware of several incidents of damage on the coast path.

"We have been in discussing it with the coastal footpaths officer with a view to sorting it out," he added.

As a side issue, the community council, in collaboration with the local neighbourhood policing team, have had a CCTV camera installed, as well as additional lighting, on the sea front at Benllech, due to anti-social behaviour problems.