‘Unfettered handouts’ to Camp Groves branded ‘irresponsible’ by Deputy Council Leader

Councillor Hugh Jones, the Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council, has said today those donating directly to the homeless camp on the Groves site are undermining ‘everything we are doing’.

Wednesday saw ‘strong advice’ issued by Wrexham Council, and this afternoon that has been upgraded to a much blunter message, including stating some on the site are not homeless.

Cllr Jones said: “I have urged, in the strongest possible terms, that people do not make direct donations to those on the Groves site.

“A number of those on the site are not homeless and others have either refused to engage with support agencies or have behaved inappropriately with support workers. We’re getting reports back from those engaging with the people on the site that supplies of food and other donated items are being sold for drugs – this, obviously, only makes things worse.

“As a result, this means they don’t have to get involved with agencies and organisations – the ones that can provide them with long-term support – and it’s actually preventing us from being able to work with them.

“To continue to make donations to the site is irresponsible and counterproductive, and it undermines everything we are doing.

“Donations of food, supplies, money and anything else are certainly welcome at Ty Croeso, on Grosvenor Road.

“Anyone who wants to help should take whatever donations they may have there.”

Councillor Jones added that the “….situation doesn’t benefit from unfettered handouts”

Wrexham Council also point to an update via the drug and alcohol addiction charity Cais, where Chief Executive Clive Wolfendale points out the issues are not Wrexham specific adding: “I believe the situation doesn’t benefit from simply providing unfettered handouts to street homeless individuals. The sad likelihood is that they will consume the food and then spend what other resources they have on drink and drugs.”

He adds: “Simple donations are highly likely to induce individuals to continue to hang around the area. This is in nobody’s interests, least of all those sleeping rough.”

“So finger-pointing and recriminations are not helpful at this time. This is a growing problem which won’t go away any time soon. Statutory, voluntary and community organisations will have most impact when they work together. This applies in Wrexham, Cardiff and just about everywhere else as far as I can see.”

The campsite on the Groves has had some national media attention over the last day or so, with Channel 5’s ‘Wright Stuff’ providing commentary, ITV Wales visiting, Trinity Mirror’s Daily Post covering the site and some stark claims made in the Daily Mail and The Sun.

The BBC have also covered the issue online today, using images from 2015 in Wrexham bus station to tell the story.

Frontpage of The Sun right now, 'exclusive' by John Shammas but images via news/pics agency Mercury. Same day Daily Post do similar story. pic.twitter.com/Q8EpCcKI6m

— Wrexham.com (@wrexham) August 23, 2017