Co-op's classics to deter youths

Music by composers such as Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky is used

A supermarket is playing classical music outside some of its stores in Wales in a bid to discourage youngsters from congregating near its doorways.

The Co-op says music by composers such as Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky makes their shops "less cool" as a "hang out".

It started playing the classics at its store at Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, and shops at Bedwas and Byrnhyfryd in Swansea are following suit.

The idea follows concerns about anti-social behaviour in Wales.

The Co-op broadcasts the taped music on external speakers outside its stores with staff controlling the volume.

Spokesman Paul Martin said: "Some of our stores have problems with youths who gather outside and they can intimidate shoppers and our staff.

"Playing the music makes our shops 'less cool' as places for youngsters to hang out, and can make life much easier for our customers and staff."

One of the first companies to use piped music was Tyne and Wear Metro at some of its outlying stations.

Noisy revellers

Pilot projects have also been held on the London Underground and some councils have tried it at bus stations.

"The introduction of the initiative in Bedwas and Swansea follows its success at 200 Co-operative food stores across the UK," added Mr Martin.

Meanwhile, a businessman with three hotels in north Wales says he is worried anti-social behaviour could be adding to an already disappointing tourist season.

I believe that visitors coming into Wales which are seeing this anti-social behaviour on the streets . . . it obviously gives a bad reflection Hotelier John Evans

John Evans said he had complaints from guests at the White Lion in Bala, Gwynedd this weekend who could not sleep because of noise from revellers on the street.

He warned those who make the trip to Wales, may think twice about returning.

Mr Evans, a partner in Welsh Historic Inns with hotels in Gwynedd and Anglesey, said the poor summer weather and concerns about foot- and-mouth have already kept some holidaymakers away.

He said anti-social behaviour on the streets was "very disconcerting".

Those responsible, said Mr Evans, "seem to have no respect for anybody else who is trying to sleep at that hour of the morning".

But he said he was also concerned that continuing anti-social behaviour could affect future trade.

"I believe that visitors coming into Wales are seeing this anti-social behaviour on the streets - and I know it isn't just restricted to Wales - but it obviously gives a bad reflection though.

"That visitor is going away and he's our salesman to his friends and family."

The hotelier's concerns are among a number raised about anti-social behaviour across the country.

Around 250 people met in Pontarddulais near Swansea last week to voice their concerns about anti-social behaviour, after an alleged attack on a 56-year-old local man.

Peter Matthews is recovering from his injuries after he confronted a noisy gang of youths outside his home.