Candidate slammed by own party

A TORY parliamentary candidate for Wrexham has been criticised by a senior member of her own party after she wrote a letter which described the state of the town centre as “depressing”.

Earlier this week, a letter was published in The Leader newspaper in which Sarah Atherton highlighted anti-social behaviour issues in the town following a visit where she encountered a man in a “zombie-like” state.

Ms Atherton, who was chosen in April to represent the Conservatives at the next general election, also claimed to have called in on a travel agency where staff keep the doors locked because of concerns about homeless people.

In her comments, she criticised the town’s ruling administration, which is run by independents and Conservatives, for failing to address the situation.

The Tory deputy leader of Wrexham Council has hit back at her remarks, accusing her of “political opportunism” and not offering any solutions.

Councillor Hugh Jones said: “The recent contribution from Ms Atherton on her views on Wrexham town centre smacks of political opportunism of the worst form.

“She fails to take account of the significant investment by the current administration, approaching £500,000, in improving the street scene (as well as) the investment of over £1m in Ty Pawb, creating a market and centre recognised on the world stage.”

“On the issue of homelessness and the visible vulnerable, no city or town in the UK and beyond has eradicated this problem.”