Council u-turn on town-centre protection order

This morning, seven town-centre councillors including Plaid's Marc Jones had a meeting with the lead member on Community Safety and various council officers.

It was to raise concerns about growing signs of anti-social behaviour in our community and the town centre and the potential loss of the Public Space Protection Order from the town centre.

The lead member Cllr Hugh Jones said proposals to scrap the PSPO had now been pulled because he didn't support them and he would be submitting a plan for new PSPO (which could include Rhosddu) in a meeting in September.

Despite the gap (the current PSPO runs out on July 31st), this sudden u-turn is welcome news.

A new PSPO gives us the chance to make sure it works better for the community and there was also a welcome apology that Rhosddu had not been properly consulted over the withdrawal of the park/cemetery PSPO in March 2019.

The wider issue that needs tackling is the rise in illegal drugs and anti-social behaviour on our streets. The PSPO alone won't do that.

What is needed is a more comprehensive strategy to ensure people who want detox and rehab do not have to wait weeks and months but can access immediately; that adequate housing is available to get people off the streets and we have a functioning mental health service to tackle the problems many of those on the streets have.

We also need a grown-up discussion about stopping criminal gangs from profiting from drugs. Other countries such as Switzerland and Portugal have shown that decriminalisation can work for the benefit of all. The sooner we grasp that nettle, the sooner we will see the benefits on our streets.

• This morning's Leader highlighted Plaid Cymru Cllr Marc Jones and Rhosddu Community Council's opposition to losing the PSPO - seems the pressure paid off!