Town's drug-dealing 'hotspots' identified

Police have been asked to investigate areas of Shrewsbury which are prone to drug dealing.

The West Mercia force was asked to look into the "hotspots" identified by town councillors as priorities.

Councillor Rosemary Dartnall said there was drug dealing on Springfield recreation ground and a number of other locations in her Column and Sutton division.

Another member, Kate Halliday, said deals were being made from cars on Drawwell Street in Belle Vue at about 17:00 during the week. York Road, Kynaston Road and the surrounding area in the north of town were also highlighted.

Shrewsbury Town Council's communities and environment committee will discuss the report on Wednesday.

Dartnall added officers should investigate the area around the footbridge between Pool Rise and Prescott Close; Mansel Williams Way, and on the corner of Primrose Drive and Sutton Lane.

She said the dealing was occurring mainly in the evening and at night, but also sometimes during the day, with dealers "taking cover" under trees.

Alex Wagner, who represents Quarry and Coton Hill, said residents had reported drug dealing and anti-social behaviour around the Pig Trough, particularly during the evenings.

Some of the town's speeding hotspots highlighted by councillors will also be discussed at the meeting.

London Road was among them, with Dartnall claiming "racing" was happening.

"These are residential streets, near a primary school and a college," she said.

"The racing occurs sometimes at lunchtime – especially on Sutton Way – but can also be a circuit on London Road to Wenlock Road."

As part of the Local Policing Charter, where members tell the force what their priorities are, other roads mentioned for excessive speeding included Ellesmere Road, Battlefield link road and Belle Vue Road.

Adam Fejfer, representing Monkmoor, said there were significant issues on Conway Drive and Crowmere Road, particularly during during school hours and in the evenings.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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