Drug users see rural areas as a soft touch
Drug users are travelling to rural areas because they are a soft touch, it has been claimed.
Councillors in Shawbury have said they are increasingly concerned about the problem after needles and drugs were found lying around in the grounds of St Mary's Parish Church in the village.
Members of Shawbury Parish Council spoke of their concerns after the discovery.
They also spoke of their shock that drug users were clearly active in an otherwise quiet, rural part of Shropshire.
The council heard that the problem was often hidden, but there were fears that it is being replicated in other villages across the region.
Clerk to Shawbury Parish Council Jack Wilson told a meeting at the village hall last night that he and members of the War Graves Commission found the items just over the wall of the churchyard.
He said: "A couple of weeks ago we were walking by and found needles and drugs paraphernalia.
"Whether it is a one off or a regular thing, we don't know.
"We have told the police and they promised to keep an eye on it."
Councillors also agreed that they would "cast an eye" over the wall to look for any items relating to drug use.
Councillor Dave Roberts, chairman of the council, added after the meeting: "It is something that causes concern to the community. We will do our best to stamp it out.
"It is a problem in all the rural areas, they are targeting them because it is easier to infiltrate."
A recent study by academics highlighted the problem of drug use in rural areas.
It showed that 21 per cent of 14-15 year olds living in villages reported drug experience 'in the last month' compared to 16 per cent in the towns.
A problem with alcohol mis-use has also been linked by rural areas, where there are less support networks to help people with addiction problems.
