Splott is an old working class district of Cardiff, what challenges do its citizens face today?
Splott, much like all communities, has its great aspects and a strong community spirit. To understand the issues that the community is focused on solving we asked the people of Splott, from a variety of sectors including shop owners, those involved in education and charity, to tell us what they’re working on and what it’s like to live in the neighborhood?
Angela Bullard, Splott Breakfast Club founder, 70.
“Our volunteers do a great job. The community gets behind us so that the people who really need it, those who are in food poverty, won’t feel excluded or feel different. If they can’t afford to put a pound in the pot, they will still get a hot breakfast. This is about community support. That’s what we’re all about. Splott has always had a big community spirit which dissipated over the last few years, but it’s beginning to be built again.”
Meilir Tomos, 37, head teacher, Ysgol Glan Morfa Primary School in Splott
“Anti-bullying week started from Monday and since the school started in 2005, we have had Anti-bullying week each year. There are about six or seven schools in Splott and I know other schools are also doing Anti-bullying activities. We have a lot of things like role play, drama activities, drawing story posters towards anti-bullying, online activities to make sure they are not bullied online. We have 229 students and it’s our responsibility to raise the issue because some children don’t know that they’re being bullied.”
Khaled Alshameri, 34, tailor shop owner, Clifton Street in Splott
“Some younger guys in this street are my trouble makers. Anti-social behaviors, anything you can imagine. Over-drunk people, the bloody smashed glasses and they stole something. I just received a call yesterday from a retired police officer who said they got together to control young people. They can take them to social clubs or some other places, where they can spend time instead of breaking shops or stealing or smoking drugs.”
John West, 58, retired
“Issues? Trusting people. My partners purse was just stolen from our house, yesterday wasn’t it, by our so-called person that we thought was our friend but apparently not. Theft is a big issue. The police will pick him up later hopefully. See in our block right, what they don’t seem to understand is there’s all CCTV cameras in the hallways and as they come out the flat everywhere. He pinched my partners purse right and then straight outside the door on the camera he took it out. I think he’s a bit banged to right there isn’t he.”
Stacey Thomas, 31, waitress at Imperial Cafe
“Many of the newcomers to our cafe are in a financially difficult situation. But Splott is a peaceful environment. The biggest issue here is the government in charge, but they are not helping us anymore. Why are there more mental illnesses here than in countries with no food?”
Sarah Jones, 28, barista
“The only issue I’ve noticed is naughty boys on bikes. When they ride by on their hog bikes, it’s quite dangerous and loud. That’s probably the only problem I can think of. I’ve lived here for 12 years and I love it, I have really nice neighbors.”
Sue, chartered accountant
“There’s a lot of litter around, especially on Clifton street, I think the council could be doing more, especially as it’s well served by shops and buses.”