CLOSE ‘DRUG DEAL’ PHONE BOXES
Call after claims of open sale and drugtaking on Maes:
DEALERS are brazenly using phone boxes on Caernarfon’s historic square to peddle their drugs to addicts.
Town councillors say have been contacted by residents furious at the sight of pushers selling drugs and users openly taking them just yards from the castle.
And they are to call on BT to remove the kiosks in order to deter them.
Cllr Maria Sarnacki, speaking at last Wednesday night’s town council meeting, said: “Many residents have contacted me with concerns over the open drug use and blatant dealing that can be seen in and around the telephone kiosks near the post office.
“There have been reports of people using the kiosks afterwards, with traces of substances still to be seen.
“I think we should contact BT to see if there’s any way the kiosks can be removed as it’s very intimidating to passers by.
“It can be very upsetting and can’t be good for tourism or the image of the town.”
Cllr Cai Larsen added the situation was “intimidating” for people who use the post office, which the kiosks are very close to.
But she added: “I can see maybe removing one of the kiosks, but I don’t think that both should be removed as they are still being used by people who want to make calls.
“One option may be to remove the shelves from inside them, which would mean they wouldn’t be able to cut their drugs as easily.
“This isn’t an issue for Caernarfon alone, and I feel it’s a growing problem in general I’m afraid.
“But we should certainly support the police in whatever action they take.”
But Cllr Cemlyn Williams felt that it was important to tackle the issue more generally in the town.
“I don’t think moving the problem elsewhere will solve anything,” he said.
“We need to look at this in a wider context, as there have been similar reports in the subways and near Feed My Lambs.”
The town council is to write to both Gwynedd council and BT to seek further clarification on any measures that can be taken to alleviate the problem.
This is not the first time similar concerns have been raised in the town, with traders reporting last year that addicts were often seen “shooting up” on the Maes and neighbouring Tre’r Gof and Love Lane.
Former policeman Gwyndaf Jones, who runs the Castle Hotel on the town square, said: “There is dealing openly on Y Maes – even shooting up. It’s incredible. Visitors are afraid of them.”
According to North Wales Police, officers were “aware” of concerns raised by local residents and business owners about “drug-related activity” near the post office in Caernarfon.
A spokesman added that anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour should contact North Wales Police on 101, and that such behaviour “would not be tolerated”.