Petition Calls on Council to Address Local Homeless Issues – Deputy Leader Says ‘Comprehensive Plan’ Being Implemented

A petition calling on Wrexham Council to take ‘immediate action’ and provide local homeless people with ‘suitable accommodation’, has been launched.

The campaign, which was launched by Dee Davies, aims to get 200 signatures before being sent to the Chief Executive and Leader of Wrexham Council. At the time of writing the petition has had 181 people pledge support to the campaign.

It is demanded that a solution to help reduce the number of rough sleepers starts within weeks, with a target of solving the issues within two months.

The petition states: “A petition to WCBC to take urgent and immediate action to ensure that every homeless person in Wrexham, is provided with suitable accommodation, toilet, wash facilities and food.

“Homelessness in Wrexham is a growing issue, presenting issues in the town centre, and a growing risk to these most vulnerable people in society.

“We recognise this is a national issue, but the people of Wrexham cannot stand by and watch WCBC take no action and watch the matter get worse. Enough is enough. We hereby request that you give this matter your highest priority, and start to come up a solution so the number start to reduce within weeks and are eliminated entirely within two months.”

In recent weeks many rough sleepers in Wrexham have located to the Groves site, with several tents / campsite on the grounds of the former school.

Wrexham.com queried with Wrexham Council to see if they were aware of the petition and if there had been any communication with any agencies in town on what can be done to help solve the issues.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety: “We understand our residents’ concerns and want to provide reassurance that together with a wide range of partners, including the Health Board, Substance misuse agencies, North Wales Police and voluntary organisations we have a comprehensive plan which is currently being implemented.

“Not all homeless people are substance misusers, however many have complex needs and a number who appear homeless are not actually without accommodation. Our aim is to provide rehabilitative support and this work can take a significant period of time.

“In the meantime we are working to ensure that their basic needs are being met.”

He added: “We appreciate the generosity of many residents in providing support by way of food and clothing and would ask that any such donations are handed in at Ty Croeso or Ty Nos.”

You can view / sign the petition here.

*It was noted at yesterday’s Town Centre Forum that plans to help those currently living on the Groves site and an ‘interim report’ have been created. We will provide further info as and when further information about the report is available!