SECURITY for the new Rhydd Covert activity centre has been high o n the agenda since Operation Covert was launched 16 months ago.

The old building was a frequent target for vandals and an arson attack in October 2004 saw it damaged beyond repair.

The project team was keen to avoid the problems of the past and a wide range of measures have been incorporated into the new centre.

Site warden Mark Woodward said: "As we are set in a remote spot, security is an issue, but we are confident we have got it right with our new building.

"As the whole community has been so supportive to help us turn our dream into reality, we felt it was important to make sure we had taken all the necessary steps to protect the new structure."

The entrances to the building are covered by electronically operated roller-shutters to protect the doors which are fitted with special security locks. The shutters have an additional anti-tamper device built in.

There are internal bars to all windows which have been set deliberately high in the walls to deter vandals. There are plans to add exterior security mesh to prevent the windows being smashed, although money still needs to be raised for this part of the project.

The roof has been constructed with vandal-proof tiles and the modern alarm system will alert on-call members of the Rhydd Covert service team in their own homes if it is set off.