Fears over GHB hitting Oswestry trade

Shropshire's council leader today urged people to continue to support Oswestry amid fears they may stop visiting the town because of its reputation for having one of the highest uses of the drug GHB in the country.

Councillor Keith Barrow, Shropshire Council leader, stressed today the town was still a safe and enjoyable place to enjoy a night out.

And other councillors representing the town have joined forces to support the work being done to tackle GHB use.

Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police and other support services are working with the community to raise awareness and reduce the risk posed by the spread of the drug.

Councillor Barrow, who represents Oswestry South, said: "It's important people stay aware and know the dangers of GHB, but, despite the current concerns about this particular drug, it is only a small minority of people using the drug, and I want to reassure people that we are working hard to minimise its impact."

He said pubs and clubs were being encouraged to be extra vigilant about anyone adding a clear liquid to their drinks.

Oswestry East councillor Martin Bennett said: "Issues around GHB have been reported to the Local Joint Committee, and I am pleased that we have been able to support partnership working with some funding to try to find out why Oswestry seems to have a bigger problem with this than other towns. I hope that we will also be able to quickly come up with ways of dealing with it."

Councillor Vince Hunt, for Oswestry West, said: "I am very pleased that we as a council are taking a multi-edged approach on working towards the problem of GHB in the town.

"It is a very serious issue that is having an appalling effect on the users, and on the families and communities they live in. I will continue to give my full support to the eradication of this problem."

Shropshire Council cabinet member Gwilym Butler said: "The council is working closely with the police and health support services to educate people about the dangers of GHB, and we are also working with pubs and clubs in Oswestry to help them do what they can to stamp it out."

By Sue Austin