Residents Meeting Planned to Discuss Drug, Alcohol & Antisocial Behaviour Issues in Rhosddu

A meeting is being organised for residents living in the Rhosddu and Stansty areas to discuss drug, alcohol and anti-social behaviour issues in the area and what can be done to address the problem.

Cllr Steve Wilson and Cllr I David Bithell are organising the meeting with local Conservative campaigner Andrew Atkinson and representatives from the Police, Wrexham Council and other agencies will be in attendance.

The event follows on from a similar meeting held recently for residents and traders in the town centre and Pen-y-Bryn area. The meeting was held privately to allow those with concerns to air them openly.

During the meeting attendees will be able to share their concerns and discuss what more can be done by the various authorities and agencies locally – along with an update on what is currently being done.

Issues within the Rhosddu area have been well documented over the past two years, with residents and traders voicing concerns about antisocial behaviour and drug abuse in the area, particularly in the park.

This lead to the introduction of a PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) in April 2016.

Under the new PSPO anyone found drinking, smoking, taking drugs or sleeping rough in the park or cemetery will be issued with a fine.

The Order, which will last for three years, means that anyone who is acting anti socially, such as drinking or abusing drugs, rough sleeping and associated littering in the area can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £100 or £75 if paid within seven days.

Both council staff and police officers have the powers to issue the fines.

The meeting is currently being organised and a date will be announced shortly, once a convenient date can be reached to suit the various stakeholders and agencies, in the meanwhile Mr Atkinson is asking residents in the two wards who would like to attend to register their interest by email and he will keep them updated.

Speaking about the previous meeting regarding antisocial behaviour in the town centre, Mr Atkinson said “It was a straight-talking meeting trying to achieve two things, the first, to update traders about the new PSPO powers and how they can engage with them to address the anti-social behaviour problems affecting their businesses and the town; and secondly, to look at what the powers do not cover, what is still unaddressed and how can these issues be fixed.

“We were all clear from the start that there are no easy answers and that we are talking about the actions of people who need help and support, but also clear that more needs to be done.

“The new PSPO order has seen 15 penalty notices issued so far and has been going properly for about 2 weeks. A number of people were pleased to hear that Wrexham Council is pioneering a multi-agency approach so that they are not just fining people who cannot or will not pay a fine but giving them the opportunity to get help.”

He added: “No-one wants to see a problem simply moved up the road and we must address causes where possible and I’m working with Cllr Steve Wilson and Cllr I David Bithell to hold a similar meeting for residents of Rhosddu and Stansty wards.”

To register your interest please email Mr Atkinson at [email protected] or call 07914211631.

*Pictured – the launch of the Rhosddu PSPO