Problematic Phone Boxes Seen as Magnet For Anti Social Behaviour Removed

Two problematic phone boxes seen as a magnet for anti social behaviour and suspected drug dealing have been removed by BT.

The first phone box, which was located in the Gwenfro area was removed on Thursday, much to the delight of local residents who have been campaigning for years to have it taken from the area.

Over the last two years the phone box has been subject to vandalism, set alight and been used for suspected drug deals.

Welcoming its removal, Plaid Cymru councillor for Queensway, Carrie Harper said:” Residents have raised concerns about this phone box over a number of years due to it’s lack of general use by residents and it’s increasing use for illegal activity and anti social behaviour.

“I’m pleased that BT has finally taken on board those concerns and removed it.

“Credit must go to local residents and the police who have both worked together to achieve this result. We’re all pleased it’s finally gone”.

Local resident Julee Harding who had also raised concerns about the phone box added: “I have lived in the Gwenfro area for 14 years and for the last two years the phone box in our area has been vandalised on many occasions, including set on fire, fire works have been lit inside it and everyday it is used for a meeting place to make drug deals day and night.

“We are relieved to see the phone box finally has been removed as it means there is one less place for drug deals to take place.”

A phone box in Pen-Y-Bryn, which has also been subject to anti social behaviour, was also removed last week.

Simon Hall, owner of the Secondhand Shed on Pen-Y-Bryn, said: “It’s taken a few years of me and others campaigners to get it removed.

“Our PCSO got it to incoming calls only and then got the door removed. That helped a lot but still was getting used 99% of the time for ordering drugs – something I’ve witnessed many times.

“Once I asked BT to please remove it and was told it was the most profitable phone box in Wrexham.

“I do feel for people that have a genuine use for public phones but unfortunately they seem to get used for illegal use more than anything else.”