Peter Matthews is said to be recovering after the alleged attack

Pontarddulais Town Council met to address concerns raised after the attack on Peter Matthews.

A row over the level of the problem in some areas of Swansea followed, which police admit has hit public confidence.

Chiefs stress the issue is a priority and gave out over 100 officers' mobile numbers so people can get in touch.

Police and local councillors were also at the meeting on Wednesday night where local residents had gathered to voice their concerns.

The town council does not usually meet in August but the emergency meeting was called in response to incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town.

Two of the 16 councillors requested the special meeting which was an opportunity for councillors to discuss what can be done to tackle the problems in the area.

They also planned to look at the best way to reassure the public.

Councillors and other residents took exception to comments from police last week that the attack on father-of-one Mr Matthews was an "isolated incident".

They contacted BBC Wales and other local media with examples of other incidents.

I have to accept as a result of what has happened there is a confidence issue in the police and it is only right that I respond accordingly Chief superintendent Mark Mathias

South Wales Police used the city's Evening Post newspaper to publish the names and work mobile phones of more than 50 community based constables and 60 police community support officers.

Swansea divisional commander Chief Superintendent Mark Mathias, said: "Let me stress it's not for emergencies or incidents but for people to contact individual officers with any concerns."

He said he had always intended to allocated named officers to specific communities and provide the public with the means to contact them direct but he said those plans had been brought forward.

"I have to accept as a result of what has happened there is a confidence issue in the police and it is only right that I respond accordingly.

"I want to say categorically that anti-social behaviour is a priority but it is a complex one to deal with and the police alone cannot deal with it.

"We have been working on a plan where we involve other agencies and in Swansea it has been very successful in reducing crime by 20%.

"Now we need to do exactly the same thing with anti-social behaviour."

Blood clot

The incident involving Mr Matthews, 56, happened in the early hours of 4 August.

His family said he got out of his bed to ask youngsters outside to quieten down, and was attacked leaving him with a blood clot in his head.

He was treated at Morriston Hospital in Swansea and is said to be recovering.

Four people were arrested and bailed and police inquiries are ongoing.

The issue has also been on the bbc news, comments were filmed live,