You might be aware of a small homeless encampment on the former Groves site.
If you live nearby and you’re worried about it, we totally understand that. We also understand the needs of the people camping on the site, and the fact we need to safeguard the building.
For now we are tolerating the situation on the site to prevent other problems arising in other areas. Whilst the site is occupied we will work with our partners to try and manage the situation to help the individuals involved.
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This is what we’re going to do…
Wrexham Council, the police, health services and voluntary sector have a plan that will help address some of the immediate issues.
This is what will happen:
- The council will continue with security patrols to help keep the nearby building secure.
- Police will continue to respond to calls, patrol the perimeter and liaise with local residents.
- Health and third-sector outreach workers will visit the site seven-days-a week – during the daytime and evenings – to try and engage the people camping there, and encourage them to accept help.
It’s not a permanent arrangement, but it’ll help ensure the situation is manageable while partners work on a solution over the next few weeks.
A responsibility to residents, the building and the people on-site
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said:
“We want to provide security for residents living near the Groves, and we have a responsibility to protect the building.
“The council and its partners also have to consider the welfare of the people living on the site..
“The people camping there have a complex range of issues – like homelessness, substance-misuse and poor mental health. Things that can’t be addressed overnight.
“Helping them change their circumstances is crucial to managing these issues in Wrexham. Moving them on – without attempting to help – will just create problems elsewhere.
“However, we know we need to find a way to better support them in a more suitable environment, as it’s not appropriate for people to be camping on the site.
“We all want to see a successful resolution.”
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