New vow to crack down on ‘drunks and crackheads’ scaring people away from Walsall town centre

Deputy leader Adrian Andrew discussed a range of huge regeneration projects taking place across the borough at a economy and environment overview and scrutiny meeting on Monday.

But members heard how antisocial behaviour problems such as street drinkers and drug takers were intimidating people into staying away, undermining efforts to regenerate the area.

Both Councillor Andrew and leader Mike Bird said they had a closer relationship with police than in previous years which was having a positive impact.

They added work by community protection officers had resulted in banning orders being slapped on offenders in recent weeks.

Darlaston South ward councillor Matt Ward said: “The masterplan aims to create a vibrant town centre which is good.

“However, what are we doing as an authority to address the issues, such as drunks around bus stations, hypodermic needles in toilets, the crackheads around town?

“What are we doing to ensure people feel safe to come into Walsall?

“It does put people coming into town. I know people who used to work in Walsall, get public transport but got harassed so much they’ve now moved to Wolverhampton.”

Councillor Andrew said they have previously spent money jet washing the town centre to make it cleaner and more appealing.

He added: “More recently, we are very much working closely with the police.

“I think everybody would recognise the step change in the relationship we’ve got with the Walsall police and the seriousness they’re taking with the issues in the town centre and night time economy.

“It is a work in progress and we’re not suffering in Walsall from any more drastic problems than other town centres are struggling from.”

Councillor Bird said: “The police are using drones more, however we have got six fast response cars based at the registrar car park purely and simply because Bloxwich town centre is too far away.

“The presence of police cars in the town centre and them being able to respond rapidly was a request from Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby which I was happy to agree immediately.

“Some of the problems we have in the town centre such as beggars. They’re not homeless, we know where they live.

“It is something which puts people off. The older families in Walsall, some of them are frightened to come to the town centre because they are intimidated by these people.”

He added: “We have been successful in prosecuting two or three people in recent weeks and now they have banning orders.

“We ought to be grateful the people we have working in community protection are doing a fantastic job.”