Vagrants are still causing upset in an area of Shrewsbury, with authorities now taking a number of ‘drastic’ measures to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Residents in Abbey Foregate have endured a spate of problems in recent months including vandalism, littering, shouting, swearing and other drunken activities.
The Shrewsbury Abbey’s car park hedge has now been cut back by the town centre gardener and surrounding trees thinned, to increase the visibility for police when patrolling the area.
In a letter from Chris Edwards, assistant director for environmental services at Shropshire Council, to MP Daniel Kawczynski on behalf of a constituent, it states they are actively pursuing a solution to rough sleepers and anti-social behaviour close to Shrewsbury’s Abbey Church.
Mr Edwards also confirms that bosses at the Abbey are considering relocating the benches in the gardens to a more central position.
The letter says: “The gardener has also recently reduced the height of the hedge at the Abbey car park and crown lifted the trees. This means the police now have a better view of what is going on there when patrolling.”
Resident Carol Edwards, who lived in a flat in Abbey Foregate until moving recently, said: “One of the reasons I moved was because of all the anti-social behaviour in Abbey Foregate and I was concerned about my vehicle getting broken into.
“It does seem quite a drastic action to cut the hedge back deliberately but to be honest I never seemed to see police round by the Abbey anyway.
“When are these annoying people going to be moved permanently? They sit on the bench outside Netto drunk and shouting and swearing all night. Ever since I moved there we had to endure these constant groups of homeless people and their behaviour. They just cause havoc and it isn’t good enough.”
A police spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “Officers are aware of ongoing problems with anti-social behaviour around the area close to Shrewsbury’s Abbey Church and we will continue to work with residents to deal with any issues that arise.”
By David Seadon