Bridgnorth drug taking 'growing very rapidly'
Drug use in a Bridgnorth park is "growing very rapidly" a councillor has warned.
Bridgnorth town councillor James Gittins said he has witnessed drug taking at Crown Meadow first hand, and that residents have also been reporting the problem.
Now he is urging people to report any suspicious activity to the police.
He said: "I've seen it myself. I help the town's ladies football team on a Thursday and a Saturday and I've seen instances of cannabis smoking and drug taking then.
"The issue with drugs is something that's growing very rapidly in the town and it is something that I'm hoping to sit down, along with the town clerk and members of the police force, in the coming months to help tackle.
"Residents are mentioning it to me as well. I can only urge people who see any drug use to report it."
Councillor Gittins said it was down to people living in the town to make sure the police know about illegal activity.
He said: "With the reduced numbers of police in the town, we need to be their eyes and ears, if anybody sees it they need to phone 101.
"The more we keep reporting it, the more police will sit up and take action."
Inspector for Bridgnorth and South Shropshire Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Rob Thomas, said there is nothing to suggest a "particular upturn" in drug use, but added that police have recently received calls from concerned people.
He said: “Our officers are committed to working with partners including the council, schools and housing associations in a bid to address any potential issues, including drugs, across Bridgnorth.
“While there is nothing to suggest a particular upturn in drugs use in Bridgnorth, we remain focused on engaging with the local community and will investigate any reports of criminal activity we receive.
"We have recently received calls about people's concerns around drugs in the town and are following these up. Officers continue to patrol the town and respond to information provided by the community.
“We rely on the support of our communities to tell us what is going on in our neighbourhoods and I would like to encourage everyone to report any suspicious behaviour to us by calling 101.
"If people wish to pass on information confidentially then please use Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111 where confidentiality is assured and anonymity is maintained.
“We will continue to work closely with the residents of Bridgnorth and our partners and welcome discussing and hearing any concerns they may wish to raise.”
