PUBLIC backing has been given for a fresh crackdown on drug taking and anti-social behaviour around Wrexham town centre.

Wrexham Council has been consulting on plans to bring in a new enhanced Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) after rules centred on the main shopping precincts lapsed earlier this year.

They gave police and council staff the power to fine people £100 for offences such as drinking, drug taking, sleeping rough and littering.

It’s now been revealed the upgraded order, which includes proposals to target begging and intimidating behaviour, has received support from the majority of the 700 people who took part in the recent survey.

It comes despite some raising concerns that a blanket ban on begging would be unfair on those living in poverty.

Officials said their aim was to balance the need to make visitors feel safe with helping people to overcome addiction and housing issues.

A council spokesman said: “Since the PSPOs were first brought in back in 2017, we’ve been very much aware that some of the problems it deals with can’t be solved by enforcement alone.

“Most of them require a multi-agency response, where we work with partners to provide help to those people who need it.

“But we also want to make sure that everyone feels safe in Wrexham town centre, and that the area is free from anti-social behaviour.

“We know from the first round of the consultation that many members of the public don’t feel safe when coming to the town centre.

“So we have to strike a balance between making sure enforcement powers are in place, and providing support to vulnerable individuals to help them through problems like addiction or rough sleeping.”

Results show 97 per cent of the 736 people who took part in the survey supported the council’s efforts to deter intimidating behaviour.

The lowest amount of backing was given to fining people for begging, but still with a 91 per cent approval rate.

Plans to tackle begging have been kept in a draft version of the new PSPO, which has been made public as part of a second round of consultation.

It comes after some respondents requested more details on what will be included in the document, which defines the offence as “unsolicited and/or unauthorised requests for money”.

Examples include both verbal and non-verbal requests, such as placing hats or other items of clothing on the floor.

The spokesman added: “Some of those who took part wanted some further details and clarity on what we’d proposed, so they could provide a more informed view.

“So with that in mind, we’ve gone out with some more detail on the proposals put forward, and have included the conditions we have included in the proposed PSPO.

“Where anti-social behaviour is linked to vulnerable individuals presenting in the town centre, we have adopted an approach of targeted intervention and support to them, involving contributions from the local authority, North Wales Police, health and charitable organisations.”

You can take part in the latest survey by visiting http://www.yourvoicewrexham.net/survey/981

The proposals will be considered by members of the council’s ruling executive board in December.