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Wednesday 20 February 2008

Bridgend: 'This Is Not A Suicide Town'

The people of Bridgend insist they are not living in "a suicide town" - but they still want answers on why there have been 17 cases in the area in little over a year. (Sky News Wednesday 20th February 2008)

Since news of the latest death, the streets of Bridgend have been quiet and the mood subdued. But there are people determined to get their voice heard. One man driving past the satellite truck and camera crews camped outside the police headquarters shouted at the assembled media: "It's nothing to do with Bebo, it's all rubbish."

And another local told Sky News: "This isn't a suicide town, we just want it sorted out."

So far, South Wales police agree. Assistant Chief Constable Dave Morris has attacked the press for linking the deaths. "It's a constellation of factors that are influencing these individuals," he said, adding: "They are not a group and it is not a pact."

But opinion in Bridgend about the intense media presence is mixed.