Light vigil held in Dinas Powys after girl was assaulted

The vigil aimed to highlight the dangers of unlit footpath during the hours of darkness.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “At around 5.20pm on Thursday, November 17 South Wales Police received a report of an assault in Caerleon Road, Dinas Powys.

“The incident is believed to involve a group of teenage girls who are known to each other.

“A 14-year-old girl was taken to hospital by her family as a precaution, officers have checked on her welfare, and it has been confirmed she suffered minor injuries.”

Gwent Police told The Penarth Times last week that PCSOs will carry out extra patrols in the area, and attended the vigil, which took place on Friday.

The footpath was lit up on Friday evening. Picture: JEP Photography (Image: JEP Photography)

The footpath was lit up on Friday evening. Picture: JEP Photography

Residents in the community came together and held torches, candles, or mobile phones to light up the footpath behind Eastbrook railway station.

Dinas Powys Councillor Malcom Phillips said: “It was fantastic to see so many residents and Councillor colleagues turn out on a cold evening to highlight their fears and concerns of this well used footpath.

“We must emphasise to owners of such footpaths that it is unacceptable in these times to put people in vulnerable situations when solutions are available, what is it going to take to happen before they accept their responsibilities.

There are concerns that the footpath is not properly lit. Picture: Malcom Phillips (Image: Malcom Phillips)

There are concerns that the footpath is not properly lit. Picture: Malcom Phillips

“During the light up a petition was commenced, and this will be presented to the owners in due course.”

The light vigil is part of a campaign being launched by the council called W.I.S.E – walking in safer environments.

Cllr Phillips said the petition will go to United Welsh Housing.