Source of problems
I am writing in response to the recent comments from various councillors on the state of Broad Street and its ongoing problems. Firstly, can I say I agree Broad Street is not ideal and does have its problems with drop-outs, but I feel certain things are being overlooked.
Being a city centre employee, working close to Broad Street, I regularly see the police patrolling the street, confiscating alcohol and tackling the problem few who hassle the public.
However they cannot be there 24/7, as even the police have priorities in policing the rest of the busy city centre.
So I find it hard to digest when people make comments about the police "not enforcing the no-drinking laws" when if they spent any time in Broad Street they would be pleasantly surprised.
Regarding the sex shops which allegedly make Broad Street look like "London's Soho".
Can I say they keep their window displays appropriate, and the outside appearance of their buildings is far better than that of any other shops in the street.
I have also never seen the police attend any of the sex shops, unlike the off licences and take-away shops they are called to on a daily basis.
So why such an old fashioned view on sex shops?
The main root of the problem, which has not been mentioned by any councillors, is the hostel in Thornley Street, which is funded by our very own council and provides all the drop-outs and beggars who cause the street problems.
Is right in the middle of a town centre the best place for such an establishment?
Maybe senior members of the council should put their time and effort into finding a more suitable location for the hostel and take out the source of the problem.
Vic Mackay, Sandford Road, Featherstone, Nr Wolverhampton.
