Walsall park becomes no-go zone due to 'drink and drugs'
A park has become a no-go zone because police have failed to tackle anti-social behaviour, according to a councillor.
Councillor Doug James, who represents Darlaston, says parts of Victoria Park have become a drink and drugs den and somewhere people avoid.
He said: "We have got a real issue with an area under a bridge which is being used as a drink and drug den.
"In the past police and town centre management used to move people on from the shopping centre and down to this area but it's just causing another problem."
He added: "There are usually 14 or more people drinking and taking drugs under the bridge."
Around 270 new homes have been built near the bridge and Councillor James expressed his concern for people living in the area.
He said: "Local people have stopped me in the street and said they're scared to go down there. It's scandalous that we have a no go area in our town."
The councillor said he found discarded needles and empty alcohol bottles during a visit to the area earlier this week - and vowed to take action against what he called the 'out of sight, out of mind' policy by police and town centre management.
"It's my job as a representative to tackle this problem," he said.
"I have to be reassured that resources are going into this. We need to sort this problem out."
Walsall Police Superintendent Sue Parker, said: “I’d like to thank Councillor James for raising his concerns; his comments have been passed to the local neighbourhood team to look into.
" We have not received any calls from members of the public since the turn of the year reporting concerns over drug abuse or anti-social behaviour in Victoria Park or the surrounding streets.
"If anyone does have concerns about crime of anti-social behaviour in the community then we would always urge them to pass the information to us so we can take action. There are certainly no ‘no-go’ areas in Walsall and our officers will go wherever they need to in order to protect the public and deter crime.”
