A SPATE of anti-social behaviour at Llangollen Pavilion has seen North Wales Police step up patrols in the area.

Groups of youths have been seen climbing onto the Llangollen Pavilion roof, as well as vandalising indoor and outdoor areas of the events venue.

A video was widely circulated locally and shows a two youths climbing up the pavilion's huge fabric structure before sliding down.

It sparked health and safety concerns from some local residents.

One person described it as an "accident waiting to happen".

Another person added: "My mate fell off doing that years and ago and suffered life changing injuries."

Others described it as "crazy" and "frightening viewing", while another said "I can't believe what I'm seeing".

Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, who operate Llangollen Pavilion on behalf of Denbighshire County Council, says it is working with North Wales Police to catch those involved, amid safety concerns and following the number of break-ins at the site last week.

The company is calling on the local community to be vigilant and encourage youngsters to respect their local town.

Incidents include a group of youths gaining access to the building, setting off the security alarms, vandalising bollards and lighting, and breaking areas of the tented arena. One group of teens has been filmed climbing on top of the pavilion.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “This is incredibly dangerous and we would advise anyone to think twice before trying to gain access to roofs of any public building. This will result in prosecution and could result in serious injury. The emergency services are under enough pressure at the moment and this is mindless behaviour that will end in tragedy.

“We will not tolerate vandalism at any of our properties and we are working closely with North Wales Police to identify the individuals involved. The Llangollen Pavilion is an iconic events venue that brings thousands of people to the county every year. We have CCTV footage and this will be provided to the police to investigate further.”

The Llangollen Pavilion is the home to the International Eisteddfod Music Festival that, pre-Covid-19 pandemic, has brought thousands of visitors to the town and county every year.

A statement from North Wales Police's Sergeant Richard Evans added: "We have been made aware of recent reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage around the Llangollen Pavilion involving youngsters.

"Parents of Llangollen - do you know what your children are up to? We will be continuing to patrol and investigate to identify those that might be involved. Anybody identified will be robustly dealt with as appropriate.

"The Pavilion is an iconic venue which the people of Llangollen should be proud of - please make sure that you are advising your children when they go out in the evening.

"Not only is the behaviour anti-social and criminal, there have been reports of climbing on the roofs which is incredibly dangerous."