CHEAPER public transport for young people is being exploited by county lines drug gangs, a youth worker has warned.

A £1 bus fare for under-21s is now available across Wales while tap and go pay services have been introduced for local rail journeys in South Wales offering substantially discounted travel.

However, cheaper and more accessible travel is also aiding those involved in criminality, claims youth services manager for Monmouthshire Council Josh Klein.

“The north and south of the county, and getting to places, is a lot more accessible and we’re finding county lines are so blurred for young people coming into the area.

“The gang stuff and vaping is now a lot easier, as it is easier and cheaper to get to places,” said Mr Klein.

“Our staff are trained and have got their ears to the ground for any intelligence they need to share with the police and safeguarding issues. We are playing our part.”

He had also said the youth service supports young people who are vulnerable to county lines dealing, when gangs from cities target outlying and rural areas, and provides support for those who use vapes.

Councillors have previously been told of links between illegal vapes and organised crime.

Presenting an overview of the youth service to the council’s people scrutiny committee, he said youth service staff discussed the cheaper travel with young people they work with, mainly aged 16-18.

He also said he could ask youth workers to discuss public transport in lunch time clubs and school assemblies.

And he said of the fare: “Young people are telling us they know about it.”

Conservative councillor for Goetre Fawr, Jan Butler, said as a mother of two boys: “It is a big thing for them to use public transport. It makes them more confident and then there are less barriers to working.

“Obviously there are downsides but any encouragement to get young people on buses or trains is good.”