National news coverage of alleged drug use and anti-social behaviour in Wrexham has painted the town in a “humiliating” light.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas was reacting to the town being at the centre of attention for its drugs problem after the issue received coverage on national television news, national newspapers, as well as in the Leader in the last few days.

Pictures of people said to be feeling the effects of so-called ‘legal highs’ around the town’s bus station in King Street have featured prominently in national newspapers and on TV since the start of the week.

Above pictures: Images of life in Wrexham used across the national media this week. Bus driver Gavin Rodda said he took the pictures to raise awareness of a drug problem in the town, although there is no suggestion anyone in these pictures has taken drugs

Many Wrexham residents agreed with Mr Lucas, including Elizabeth Jamieson, who told the Leader: “I was born and bred in Wrexham – the elderly people used to meet in the town centre. You don’t see that now. People feel vulnerable.

“It is so depressing. It has totally changed. I remember Wrexham in the ‘70s when it was thriving. I am thinking of moving out by the end of the year because it is just not a nice place to live any more. It is run down, there’s a lot of anti-social behaviour, it is a no-go.”

One town centre shopper, who asked not to be named, said: “It is the last thing you want to see when you’re out, especially when you’ve got young families.

“It doesn’t make people feel safe does it? I think it puts people off coming to the town.”

Mr Lucas criticised the work of Wrexham Council in particular over the collection of discarded syringes, saying the local authority did not work closely enough with other agencies like North Wales Police to tackle the issue.

He said: “I had a report in my office on Friday of needles discarded in the park on Gardden Road in Rhosddu.

“That was reported to the local authority on Friday afternoon and on Monday, three days later, they were still uncollected.

“The reality of the situation is that the police are under huge pressure but are doing the best they can.

“But the council are not doing their job, they are not working with the police as they should. It’s my job to promote Wrexham but when I see the sort of coverage we are having it is humiliating.”

Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for communities and partnerships, defended the council’s work.

He said: “We’ve tried to deal with it cross-party and engage people cross-party to tackle it but you get the Labour Member of Parliament saying Wrexham Council is not tackling the problem of discarded needles – it is the Welsh Labour Government’s policy that funds the needle policy.

“We as a council and the ratepayers of Wrexham have to pick up the consequences of their needle policy. For him to criticise us for that when we’re working hard to manage the consequences of Welsh Government policy, it doesn’t help the situation.”

The dispute comes after the release of images appearing to show numerous examples of drug-taking at Wrexham Bus Station, which were shared thousands of times and received coverage across national news outlets.

In a response to the concerns over the bus station, Cllr Jones said: “Many of the pictures are old photographs and do not represent the progress being made.

“While this is a problem faced by many towns and cities across the country, Wrexham has a proactive and innovative approach, combining the Public Protection Spaces Order (PSPO) with action to tackle the underlying issues of substance misuse.

“Wrexham town is a safe place for residents and visitors.

“Over the past few months considerable progress has been made with partner organisations including the council, third sector voluntary organisations, Wrexham police and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to reduce the amount of inappropriate and unacceptable anti-social behaviour, including being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, in the town centre.

“We now have a multi-agency strategic plan in place which addresses the issues highlighted which aims to ensure that Wrexham is a safe place.

“The plan is supported by a PSPO which allows the police and enforcement officers to take action against offenders.

“Issuing a PSPO fine, however, is the last resort and partners now take a far more co-ordinated approach which is making a difference to the amount of anti-social behaviour witnessed recently.

“Funding has also been put in place to support additional police presence, extra security at the bus station itself, rough sleeper outreach workers, clean-up operations, increased capacity for the Harm Reduction Team, additional equipment for the homeless shelter at Ty Nos, a single point of contact for needle pick-ups and training to support the partnership response.

“Overall, the approach is beginning to make a difference but the problem, which is not unique to Wrexham, is one that we will continue to take action about and I can assure people that we will continue to work in partnership with all agencies to make further improvements.”

Paul Wycherley, North Wales Police town centre inspector for Wrexham, added: “We understand the concerns of local people which have been brought to the fore again today by the publication of photographs taken some time ago.

“Much partnership working has gone on to improve the situation in and around Wrexham town centre and we are continuing to work with others to address these issues.

“Where we can we will use legislation in terms of the Misuse of Drugs Act to cover possession and usage of controlled substances and ASB legislation to combat nuisance.

“We are working closely with the local council and others. We have joint plans in place and we will all continue to play a part in making Wrexham a safer place.”