To be honest who cares what type of Drugs they are! It's a clear message that Wrexham is a place to avoid, Don't visit, and Don't buy a home there, simple!
Hugh Jones says the shocking images taken by bus driver Gavin Rodda are not evidence of heroin use at King Street site
Drug abusers are using Wrexham bus station to take so-called “legal highs” and not hard drugs, a leading councillor claims.
Hugh Jones, lead member for communities and partnerships, says photographs taken by bus driver Gavin Rodda showing bloody needles, drug paraphernalia and people slumped on the floor are not evidence of heroin use.
Cllr Jones said: “There are some issues with so called legal highs which we don’t have the legal powers to tackle because using legal highs is not a criminal offence.
“A legal high has the ability to create the impression of people falling asleep, falling over, being drunk or whatever and they suddenly snap out of it.
“We have put a public spaces protection order on the area.”
But drivers and passengers backed Mr Rodda’s claims that there is a problem with the use of hard drugs at the King Street station.
A fellow driver, who asked not to be named, said: “It can be a bit stressful getting to the canteen. It is definitely worse.
“We see a bigger presence when it gets mentioned but security throw them out of one door and they come back in another.
“I have seen one lad passed out with a syringe sticking out of his leg.”
A passenger who uses the Rhosddu to Chester route agreed the situation had worsened recently.
He said: “I have noticed it more and more in the last six months.
“You see them (addicts) rowing and wanting to fight each other.
Mr Rodda is calling for something to be done about the situation.
He said: “Some of these pictures are shocking but it’s the reality of everyday life for the addicts that use there.
“I want people to see this and come together to find a solution to the major drug problem that Wrexham currently has.
“Is it really going to take a death of an addict inside the bus station to make a change? I hope not.”
Cllr Jones went on to say that the pictures do not represent an accurate portrayal of life in Wrexham
He said: “Many of the pictures are old photographs and do not represent the progress being made.”
The council, alongside the police and Betsi Cadwaladr health officials have managed to “reduce the amount of inappropriate and unacceptable anti-social behaviour, including being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, in the town centre”, he added.
“We now have a multi-agency strategic plan in place which addresses the issues highlighted which aims to ensure that Wrexham is a safe place.
Alleged drug use at Wrexham bus station
ALLEGED DRUG USE AT WREXHAM BUS STATION
“The plan is supported by a Public Protection Spaces Order which allows the police and enforcement officers to take action against offenders. Issuing a PSPO fine, however, is the last resort and partners now take a far more coordinated approach which is making a difference to the amount of anti-social behaviour witnessed recently.”
Funding has also been put in place to support extra police and security at the bus station itself, rough sleeper outreach workers, clean-up operations, additional equipment for the homeless Shelter at Ty Nos and a single point of contact re needle pick-ups, cllr Jones added.
“Overall, the approach is beginning to make a difference but the problem, which is not unique to Wrexham, is one that we will continue to take action about and I can assure people that we will continue to work in partnership with all agencies to make further improvements.”
Wrexham district inspector Paul Wycherley said: “We understand the concerns of local people which have been brought to the fore again today by the publication of photographs which were taken some time ago.
"Since they were taken much partnership working has gone on to improve the situation in and around Wrexham town centre and we are continuing to work with others to address these issues . Where we can we will use legislation in terms of the Misuse of Drugs Act to cover possession and usage of controlled substances and ASB legislation to combat nuisance.
“This is not however something that is for the police alone to deal which is why we are working closely with the local council and others. We have joint plans in place and we will all continue to play a part in making Wrexham a safer place.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/its-legal-highs-not-hard-12700866
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