AN END may be in sight to anti-social problems which have afflicted Abergavenny's Fairfield car park for nearly 20 years.

Police, councils and other agencies have thrashed out a plan to deter the rowdier elements of boy-racer groups which have troubled the area for a generation.

Temporary structures - in the shape of crocodile ramps, moveable bollards and stone barriers - are ready to be installed next month for a trial period.

If the deterrents work there are hopes that a more permanent anti-hassle scheme will be introduced at a cost of about £10,000.

And that could be up and running by the autumn.

Details of the action plan were fine-tuned at a meeting in Abergavenny Town Hall last week attended by police, town councillors, the rugby and Labour club, CCTV operators and county council parking officers.

PCSO Amanda Yung who attended the gathering with Abergavenny police commander Inspector Huw Jones, said this week, "It was a very constructive meeting. It became even more positive once the discussions involved temporary measures so we could all see if the plan was working for us."

Since the end of the last century residents in Park Avenue have been plagued by car noises and other motorist-inspired shenanigans in the car park.

PCSO Yung said: "It has been going on for many years."

Some of the young motorists who use the car park were asked to make representations, but no comments were forthcoming.

It's known that some of the group are anxious to secure an alternative venue for their gatherings.

Insp Jones told councillors at an earlier meeting that the problems around the location had been an issue when he pounded the beat in 1999.

Town and county councillor John Prosser said, "People have been complaining for such a long time about what happens in the car park with screeching wheelies, racing and tooting of horns at 2am.

"We can't ignore their concerns. They've been asking what was going to be done about it. The problems have got worse over time because more youngsters have cars now.

"But we are giving it a try. We are reacting to what the community wants. If what is done is too restrictive or it doesn't work, we will have to review the situation."

It's hoped the removable bollards can be operated by CCTV staff who would then have the potential to nip any emerging problems in the bud.

The barrier will be installed at the top end of the car park. The time of its closure has not yet been agreed, although 10pm has been mentioned.

The town's Civic Society has expressed an interest in installing strategically placed heavy plant tubs.

No parking spaces will be lost in the security re-jig.

Councillor Prosser accepted that the plan, if successful, could merely move to the problem to another part of the town.