Wrexham,North Wales - There's a big, big drug problem in Wrexham, says exasperated councillor

Published date: 07 March 2016 | 

Published by: Rory Sheehan 
Read more articles by Rory Sheehan Email reporter

AUTHORITIES have been accused of having their “heads in the sand” over the blight on Wrexham’s streets caused by drug abuse.

Local councillor Keith Gregory gave his damning verdict as he took the Leader on a tour of drug hotspots in the town.

Cllr Gregory, who regularly conducts his own clean-ups with protective clothing, a litter-pick and a drug ‘sharps’ box, says he is becoming exasperated by the failure of Wrexham Council to keep on top of the problem.

Filmed by Leader photographer Craig Colville, he pointed out areas where he says used needles and other drugs paraphernalia are “right under everyone’s noses”.

Responsibility for clearing the litter belongs to Wrexham Council but Cllr Gregory says he is often contacted by residents who are concerned that action is not being taken quickly enough, which is why he carries out his own patrols.

He began walking along by the cenotaph at the town’s Memorial Hall, continuing along the path between the Ebeneser Chapel and the police station.

As well as needles, there was evidence of rough sleeping among the litter in the hedge that runs along the path.

Cllr Gregory walked over to the grass bank behind Waterworld where more needles were found amongst the litter, then crossed the road to land behind the Capel y Groes, where there was further drug paraphernalia and evidence of rough sleeping.

An hour later he had collected more than 50 needles.

Cllr Gregory said: “The people of Wrexham shouldn’t have to live like this.

“I’ve heard people, including senior councillors, say Wrexham doesn’t have a big drugs problem, that it isn’t worse than anywhere else, but I disagree.

“It’s got a big, big problem.

“Within an hour this morning I’ve picked up around 60 needles.

“The Memorial Hall is of civic interest, a place of rest and a beautiful spot in town.

“These are public places, where families with children walk through, on their way to school for example.

“There are animals and wildlife here in these areas.”

The councillor has called on the authorities to hold more regular clean-ups and says more needs to be done to protect the public.

He added: “I do have sympathy for those with drug addictions, but you don’t want it to put other people at risk, who are just going about their everyday business.

“I’d like to see regular clean-ups around all these areas, the hedges kept free of litter. We need to get a grip and acknowledge the problem.

“My worry is that if it just becomes accepted, it will spill out into other areas of town and put the public at risk.”

Wrexham town centre inspector Simon Kneale, of North Wales Police, said: “We have had no specific reports of drugs use in the areas mentioned.

“The police station is operational 24/7 and as a result, officers are frequently in this area.

“However, we need the public and local community councillors to report any incidents of this nature so that we can act upon that information.

“If anyone finds drugs paraphernalia we would urge them to contact Wrexham County Borough Council who have specialist departments to deal with these items. 

“We have previously identified areas in the town where evidence of drug use is present and by working in partnership and employing intervention measures we were able to reduce the issue in these areas.”

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, said: “I would like to thank Cllr Gregory for bringing this to the council’s attention and we encourage the public to report issues like this to our contact centre on 01978 298989.

“Myself and the leader of the council recently undertook a needle walk with AVOW highlighting several similar spots in Wrexham and we have asked public protection to write to owners of the areas in question.”

see-http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/159427/there-s-a-big-big-drug-problem-in-wrexham-says-exasperated-councillor.aspx