28 people are using a village of tents under a city centre bridge

The embankment has been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour

The council and police have issued an update on the illegal encampment in a city centre underpass used by thousands each day. The walkway on Taffs Mead Embankment has been causing distress to local residents for several months now with a string of reports of anti-social behaviour.

Locals have spoke of feeling intimidated and scared to use the walkway due to drug use, littering, disorder, assaults, alcohol use and even human waste. In an update shared by local councillors in Grangetown, the police said they were speaking to the individuals involved to resolve the ongoing issue.

Police have now identified 28 individuals involved in the encampment and have provided each of them with warning letters.

South Wales Listens said: “South Wales Police are working to tackle anti-social behaviour on Taffs Mead Embankment, Grangetown.

“Following reports of drug use, littering, disorder, alcohol use and displaying poor behaviour we have identified 28 persons attending the location causing alarm and distress to residents and members of the public and have issued these individuals with warning letters regarding their behaviour.

“We will continue to work closely with local residents and joint agencies to identify these individuals and work through the ASB process to resolve the ongoing issue.”

There have been several encampments in the area for over a year and despite legal proceedings and the tents being moved on, they keep subsequently reappearing on new sites up the embankment.

In October 2024, one encampment on the River Taff was badly damaged following an explosion which saw drug paraphernalia go up in flames.

One resident, who asked not to be named, told WalesOnline: “This group have been here for weeks now, they are creating huge amounts of mess with litter with huge amounts of rubbish now filling the whole area under the bridge, as well as anti-social behaviour.

“You can smell human waste, and see the piles of rubbish growing day by day.

“It is not only deeply unpleasant to see and smell, but is dangerous”.