Wrexham: Anti-social behaviour issues at bus station a 'nightmare'

Over the last month, there have been growing youth-related issues at the King Street bus terminal. 

Last week, The Leader visited the bus station to speak to disgruntled drivers. 

One driver, wishing to remain anonymous, said: "I've been driving buses here for 30 years, but I've never seen it as bad as this. 

"It's been an absolute nightmare. There have been things thrown at buses, and a window on one was broken.

"I get kids will be kids but what's been happening recently has been unacceptable. The lion share of people who use the buses are elderly - they're vulnerable and it's intimidating for them, and for us as drivers."

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Another bus driver said the issues have been improving over the last couple of weeks.

He said: "The police have been patrolling the area in the hours when it's been worst - after schools close up until 6pm when the depot closes. 

"It's definitely quietened down over the last couple of weeks - which we're all relieved about."

Inspector Luke Hughes, of the Wrexham City policing team, has been regularly discussing the matter in his daily updates. 

In his most recent, on Wednesday evening, he said at 4.12pm on Tuesday, officers received a report of a gathering of youths at the bus station.

Wrexham bus station (Image: Newsquest)

Inspector Hughes said they were "loud and intimidating" and that officers attended.

"The situation is slowly improving but please continue to report issues and we will actively follow up with those identified as having crossed the line," he said. 

"But also, please remember - most kids are genuinely nice, occasionally loud yes, but ultimately well behaved. That said, I acknowledge there is some feral behaviour from a select few at present."

He added: "I really want to stress that it is only a small few that are causing issue and that intensive work is ongoing to improve their behaviour, progress any criminal offences made out and support families that may be struggling with those individuals in the home.

"Again, I wish to stress that I do not want to criminalise children, I do not want to have my hand forced into having any more dispersal orders; although that will always remain an option. I am really grateful for the youth groups that have reached out and the business who have supported us in dealing with these issues.

"Things have shown improvement in recent days but the true test will be the half term which will soon be upon us."

An Arriva spokesperson said: "We support any measures to reduce anti-social behaviour and will always support the police and local authority whenever we can."