Published date: 07 June 2016 |
Published by: Rory SheehanRead more articles by Rory Sheehan
A POLICE chief has warned residents might resort to ‘vigilante’ action if drug users are pushed into residential areas.
Residents on Benjamin Road in Smithfield, Caia Park are unhappy about the increase of homeless drug users camping at the Pigeon Loft field near their homes and a children's play area.
One resident, David Lloyd Phillips, has raised the issue in a letter sent to Wrexham Council chief executive Dr Helen Paterson, also sent to the Wrexham Leader.
Caia Park Community Council chairman Marc Jones says he fears a potential new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Wrexham town centre will push problems into residential areas such as the estate.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones has also warned “we’re in danger of seeing vigilante action against the homeless” from fed-up residents.
Mr Jones said: “I welcome any attempt by our local partnerships to address anti-social behaviour in the town centre but I feel this order is only moving the problem on to other areas like Caia Park.
“Since the recent sad death by Capel y Groes, the authorities have cleared that encampment. But the homeless that were there have only gone as far as the Pigeon Loft field at the back of Benjamin Road.
“Local residents are very angry and we’re in danger of seeing vigilante action.”
In a letter to Dr Paterson, Benjamin Road resident Mr Phillips said: “I’d like to bring to your attention a growing problem with land owned by the council.
“This land is an old abandoned plot that was used for pigeons. This land has now been broken in to by homeless druggies.
“The loud shouting and bad language coming from this area is shocking and all hours of day and night. The drinking and large drug abuse is well out of hand.”
He added: “The other morning I witnessed a lad injecting himself in the arm with drugs, something I’ve only ever seen on TV.
“I reported this straight to the council and police and to date I have not seen any change in this.
“There is no sanitation in this area and where they are depositing their dirty used needles is a high health and safety issue for all.
“This is happening right next to a children’s playing area and football field where families bring their children to play.
“God forbid if a child falls or finds a used needle. Can you please have this area cleared and made safe.”
His concerns were echoed by the chair of Caia Park Community Council Marc Jones: “There’s a real problem with homelessness and anti-social behaviour and the authorities are failing to address the root causes.
“It’s a sticking plaster solution
that just moves the homeless on. It has resulted in concerns at the rear of Benjamin Road, where homeless people have put up tents and shelters.
that just moves the homeless on. It has resulted in concerns at the rear of Benjamin Road, where homeless people have put up tents and shelters.
“I welcome the Police and Crime C ommissioner’s comments and hope that all the relevant agencies will pull together to come up with longer-term answers.”
Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s lead member for communities, said: “The PSPO planned for the town centre is an area we are pursuing to tackle the continued anti-social behaviour in our communities.
“It is not intended as a ‘fix all’ solution and we are vigilant to ensure the problem will not simply be moved to another area.
“I welcome constructive comments about this matter and stress this is not an issue that can be solved by the council alone.
“Only by working in partnerships will it be tackled effectively. I’m made aware of the developments at Benjamin Road and will be liasing with North Wales Police and our Streetscene department to address this.”
in partnerships will it be tackled effectively. I’m made aware of the developments at Benjamin Road and will be liasing with North Wales Police and our Streetscene department to address this.”
see-http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/162924/police-chief-warns-of-vigilante-action-in-caia-park-if-druggies-move-in.aspx
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