Oswestry councillors join forces against drug use

Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police and other support services are working with the community to raise awareness and reduce the risk posed by the spread of the drug.

Pubs and clubs are being encouraged to be extra vigilant for anyone adding a clear liquid to their drinks, although it is accepted only a small minority of people are using GHB.

Local councillors have said they hope the multi-agency work taking place will nip the problem in the bud.

Oswestry East councillor, Martin Bennett, said:

“Issues around GHB have been reported to the Local Joint Committee, and I am pleased that we have been able to support partnership working with some funding to try to find out why Oswestry seems to have a bigger problem with this than other towns. I hope that we will also be able to quickly come up with ways of dealing with it.”

Oswestry West councillor, Vince Hunt, said:

“I am very pleased that we as council are taking a multi-edged approach on working towards the problem of GHB in the town. It is a very serious issue that is having an appalling effect on the users, and on the families and communities they live in. I will continue to give my full support to the eradication of this problem.”

Shropshire Council leader, Keith Barrow, who represents Oswestry South on the council, added:

“It’s important people stay aware and know the dangers of GHB, but Oswestry is still a safe and enjoyable night out, despite the current concerns about this particular drug. It’s only a small minority of people using the drug, and I want to reassure people that we are working hard to minimise its impact.”

Cabinet member Gwilym Butler, whose portfolio includes partnership working, said:

“The council is working closely with the police and health support services to educate people about the dangers of GHB, and we are also working with pubs and clubs in Oswestry to help them do what they can to stamp it out.”