Buses will not enter some Cardiff estates on Halloween

Police will be on board some buses to ease fears over the safety of drivers and passengers

Cardiff Bus services will not enter some city estates on Halloween or bonfire night over safety fears.

Buses will not go through Trowbridge or Llanrumney and will avoid areas of the Ely estate on Friday and 5 November.

South Wales Police officers will also be on some buses and further bus route diversions could be put in place.

Cardiff South and Penarth AM Vaughan Gething said it reflected "challenges" some areas face all year.

A poster issued by North Wales Police for people to display in their windows

He added: "I don't want these challenges to be just discussed at Halloween, the challenge is to resolve them all year round."

The bus company said the move was to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

Wrong message

However, Caerau councillor Peter Bradbury said it was time to lift the restrictions.

He said: "I understand Cardiff Bus have a duty of care to their drivers and their passengers. But these places are not the same as they were five years ago.

"I think it sends out the wrong message. It allows the small minority to win and ruin it for 99% of people who deserve a full service 52 weeks of the year."

In Torfaen, Bron Afon Housing Association is inviting people who live on their own to join them at their head office for Halloween.

Last year many residents said they felt unsafe when some trick-or-treaters behaved anti-socially.

Halloween hots up

• This year's Halloween is expected to be the warmest on record, continuing a "remarkable year" of high temperatures, weather experts say

• The temperature could hit an unseasonably warm 21C (70F) in some parts of Wales, eight degrees higher than is normal for this time of year

Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, urged those planning to go trick or treating to find different ways to mark Halloween.

He said: "I am sure there is no malice intended by those who dress up and go out trick or treating, but it can be scary for an elderly or vulnerable person to open their door to a stranger in the dark.

"I'd encourage those planning to go out to consider other ways of celebrating the holiday, such as holding your own fancy dress party."

Police across Wales are holding "diversionary activities" to keep young people entertained.