AMMANFORD town councillors are debating whether to install CCTV cameras, after hearing that public toilets in Ammanford Park have again been targeted by vandals.

Town clerk Miriam Phillips expressed fears that county council chiefs could no longer afford to pay for the damage and suggested that the park gates might have to be locked at night.

“If these toilets are open two days after they have been repaired then that is a long time, because they are being vandalised straight away,” she said.

Community Safety Officer Rob Chapman suggested that four cameras would be needed to cover the park, where the town’s new splashpads are due to open on June 29, but added that each camera could cost £9,000.

“It’s a big project, but it could pay dividends,” he added.

Cllr Chris Jones felt it was down to the towncouncil to fund such a scheme, regardless of the cost.

“Why are we keeping all this money in reserve when we could be doing a lot of good for Ammanford?” he asked. “How are we going to stop the splashpads from being vandalised?”

Cllr Helen Rees also felt CCTV was the answer. “It could solve so many problems, including vandalism and anti-social behaviour,” she said.

Speaking afterwards, Cllr Jones said: “Loads of people are complaining about the trouble in the park and it needs sorting.

“At the next meeting, I’m going to propose that the town council pays £25k for the CCTV, but I want to make it clear the people of Ammanford will not be asked to pay any more for this.”