Police to act over begging problem

Police in Shrewsbury have been asked to look into the problem of beggars and vagrants in the town centre.

The feedback from a recent PACT surgery highlighted concerns over beggars, especially on Frankwell footbridge and near St Julian's Friars footbridge.

Complaints and concerns had come in from residents in the town centre and in Belle Vue, who said there was at least one beggar on the Frankwell bridge every day.

Another major issue raised by members of the public was that of alcohol-related drunken disorder.

In particular, police had received a number of complaints about vagrants gathering in The Square and near public toilets in Hills Lane, drinking alcohol and becoming disorderly.

Police spokesman Richard Ewels said that police in the town centre were continuing to work to make Shrewsbury a safe place to visit.

"We've made it clear that we won't accept anti-social behaviour," he said. "It's one of the priorities for the local policing team to ensure that there's no anti-social behaviour, which includes people feeling threatened by aggressive begging. It's an ongoing priority."

Community police officers will be holding PACT surgeries in the town centre tomorrow at 2.30pm at The Quarry Fitness Centre, Priory Road.

There will be other surgeries on July 30 at 3pm at Oscars Cafe in the Music Hall, The Square, and on August 6 at 2.30pm at The Quarry Fitness Centre.