PRIME Minister David Cameron has been criticised for dismissing an invitation to learn about Wrexham’s response to riots.

While the town has seen no outbreaks of trouble during the current problems, unlike cities including London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester, Caia Park did see rioting a few years ago.

In June 2003 a large disturbance took place in the Caia Park estate which has become known as the Caia Park Riots.

Tension developed between Iraqi Kurds and some locals centred on one of the estate's pubs which gradually escalated and resulted in petrol bombs and other missiles being hurled at police trying to restore order.

During yesterday’s debate in the specially recalled House of Commons Wrexham MP Ian Lucas highlighted the impact  use of CCTV evidence and fast sentencing had had on the situation then and he called on the Government to do more on both issues in responding to the troubles.

Speaking afterwards Mr Lucas said: “The Prime Minister was very dismissive of the points I was trying to make which is disappointing.

“CCTV coverage is vital in law enforcement following the kind of unrest we have witnessed yet up until a week ago the Government was committed to further regulation of cameras, limiting their use.

“It is a sad fact that the Government, for political reasons, was saying the opposite a few days ago of what it is saying for political reasons now.

“Those who have taken to our streets in recent days to riot and loot need the full weight of the law used against them and our law enforcement agencies need the Government to ensure they have the right tools to do their job.”

In the Commons Mr Cameron said the intention of proposed legislation was to regulate use of CCTV and there was no intention to reduce use of cameras. Where appropriate their use would be increased if that was the wish of local people.