Cheap Street traders concerned about rise in crime

ACCORDING to Mendip District councillor, Drew Gardner, Cheap Street traders are concerned about a rise in crime.

Speaking at Frome Town Council’s ‘council matters’ meeting last week, the district councillor explained that recent knife attacks, drug dealing, and begging, are affecting businesses on Cheap Street.

Cllr Gardner says that traders want more information and reassurance about what police are doing to tackle crime in the area.

“Following the two most recent knife attacks, I’ve been approached by multiple traders on Cheap Street who are very unhappy with the state of affairs there at the moment,” said cllr Gardner.

“I’ve seen a fight over the pitch for the people that would like to beg there – I’ve seen people fighting over it. My daughter witnessed drug dealing there yesterday, and another trader witnessed an event where there were [people] discussing how to get certain chemicals to make crack.

“The traders feel that this is affecting their business. I know a dispersal order has been put in place, but their feelings are that it’s actually quite ineffectual – not a lot is happening.”

In response, deputy town clerk for Frome Town Council, Peter Wheelhouse, explained that the town council’s community development manger, Kate Hellard, has an upcoming multi-agency meeting to discuss the recent stabbings. “This could be a good forum to address the issue and see if a solution can be arrived at,” said Peter.