WREXHAM traders have shared the ‘cold hard truth’ of the ‘running battle’ they face, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

As restrictions begin to ease, traders are able to welcome back customers after months of being apart, but it is not all good news.

Traders at the Central Arcade in Wrexham have been dealing with attempted break-ins, drug paraphernalia and people using store entrances as a toilet.

One trader said: “With the Welsh Govt filling young entrepreneurs heads full of Magic these days and promises of riches and support in our town centre I thought I could help by bringing the cold hard truth to the table.

“On June 12, we closed at 3pm after trade had dried up, after we left, captured on CCTV was a group of men turn up and decide to avail themselves of the Cafe Tables outside to roll their joints and get stoned.

“Not content with making a dreadful mess with their drug paraphernalia they then decide to have a go at breaking into the shop, if their attempt had been successful we would not be in a position to remain trading.

“Later that evening because of the lack of Public Facilities, it starts. Using the entrance as a Public Latrine, to matters worse the arcade is on a downward slope.

“So that is how I spent Sunday, my only day off scrubbing and sanitising human waste and drugs paraphernalia.”

The trader told the Leader that the pandemic has impacting his business financially, and raised concerns over instances like these having an impact on his future.

He added: “, I have just been through the books and the financial reality is I have taken less in the Month of June thus far than I did in one-week pre pandemic.

“As I contemplate what the coming weeks may bring I see very little in the way of support, public safety or confidence in those paid to make this town a viable and vibrant place.”

Concerns were also raised over lack of social distancing in the town, especially with contract workers and the ‘nuisance’ being caused to the area.

The businessman said: “Hope Street falls into the protected area covered by the Public Spaces Protection Order, applied for in 2020 by Wrexham Council and valid until 2023. That order prohibits nuisance being caused in the area covered.”

Sarah Atherton MP has been working on the ‘rejuvenation of the high street’ in a bid to help businesses recover from the pandemic.

Hearing about these issues, she told the Leader these are ‘not isolated incidents’.

She said: disappointed with their reluctance to act in certain circumstances, such as when incidents occur on private land or public land within our town that the public walk by or can see. Whether a piece of land is public or private, it is important that we all work collaboratively to deal with these issues for the benefit of Wrexham’s town centre.

“As we recover from the pandemic, it is even more important to make sure our town centre is an attractive, clean and safe environment to bring in shoppers and help businesses recover. That is why supporting the rejuvenation of the high street is one of my key areas of focus over the coming months. To do this, I will be working with the Council to support their town centre plans and the Police to ensure that illegal activity is monitored, and our streets are safe, and I will be working with the UK Government and the Welsh Government to ensure Wrexham gets the funding and attention it deserves.

“I would note that there are positive changes afoot in Wrexham’s town centre that should inspire optimism. The Xplore! Science Discovery Centre and the Hope Street Church both show that there are innovative solutions to town centre issues such as vacant buildings and the opening of the Job Centre Plus in the town centre is also a positive step. Although, I do note the concerns about the construction sites and contractors, which shows that site reconstruction must be managed properly.

“There is clearly more that can be done to make sure our town centre is as welcoming and attractive as possible, but this will take a coordinated solution working across Government – UK, Welsh and local - and our community.”

Wrexham Cllr Terry Evans, Lead member for the economy and regeneration said: “We work hard as an organisation and with our partners to offer support to town centre businesses and to ensure that Wrexham is a safe and friendly place to visit.

“Isolated incidents such as this are not commonplace.

“Recently public toilets on Town hill have been opened with the support of a local business.

“Anyone visiting the town to enjoy our vibrant night time economy should be using the facilities at their chosen venue.

“Wrexham Town Public Spaces Protection Order gives us greater powers as an organisation to deal with anti-social behaviour in this area, and we use those powers when appropriate.”