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The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
School which banned girl, 12, from ‘diversity day' for Union Jack dress closes early for summer over ‘extremist threats'
THE SCHOOL which banned a girl from wearing a Union Jack dress has been forced to close following "extremist threats". Courtney, 12, had chosen to wear the dress as part of the Advertisement 4 Courtney was banned from wearing a Union Jack dress at her school Credit: Roland Leon 4 Now, the school has been shut down following 'extremist' threats Credit: Roland Leon Bilton School in Rugby, The school released a letter to parents on Thursday in which is said it was receiving "extremist abuse online and via our telephone systems". Headteacher Jayne Delves and Ranjit Samra, CEO of Stowe Valley Multi-Academy Trust, both said that members of staff had been threatened. The letter said that the "nature and tone" of the threats had escalated in recent days too. Advertisement Read More on UK News The letter continued: "While we have been working closely with our multi-agency partners to address the situation, our primary responsibility remains the safety and wellbeing of every child and member of staff. "This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We understand the disruption this may cause to your families and your child's education, but the safety of our school community must come first." The abuse followed an online frenzy over Courtney's decision to wear the now controversial dress on her school's Culture Celebration Day. Courtney had chosen the Union Jack dress in reference to the iconic outfit worn by Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive However, she was allegedly told: 'You get to celebrate being British every day, this is for everybody else.' The 12-year-old had planned to read a speech about tea, Shakespeare, fish and chips and the royals as part of her presentation. Sir Keir issues rallying cry to 'reclaim our flag' for St George's Day as PM savagely attacks those who 'sow division' Courtney was offered the chance to wear second-hand uniform, instead of the dress she had chosen. When she refused, her father, Stuart Field, arrived at the school and took her home. Advertisement Stuart said the school had issued an apology before slamming them for "virtue signalling". He said: 'Her head of year bizarrely said that if she had worn a suit of armour or a nurse's outfit, she probably would have been allowed. It's ridiculous. "The irony is they were having a cultural diversity day and yet they singled out a group of people. 'She's a Advertisement Stuart added that another mum at the school told him that her son had been banned from wearing a farmer's outfit. Ahead of the event, the school's headteacher had described the Culture Celebration day as an opportunity for "celebrating the rich cultural diversity within our school community". 4 Bilton School in Rugby says that its members of staff have been 'threatened' Credit: Roland Leon In her speech, Courtney had hoped to say: 'We have lots of traditions including drinking tea, our love of talking about the weather and our Royal Family. Advertisement 'We have amazing history, like kings and queens, castles and writers like She was also planning on saying: 'Sometimes at school we only hear about other cultures — which is great because learning about different countries is interesting and important. 'But it can feel like being British doesn't count as a culture, just because it's the majority.' Speaking out about the incident, a spokesperson for the school said: 'We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies. Advertisement "We've since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better. 'We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring every student feels recognised and supported.' Courtney's dad has also suggested that other children carrying He said: "Another with a Advertisement "It's ironic they were having a cultural diversity day but then decided to single out a group of people." 4 Courtney said that her dress was a reference to Geri Halliwell Credit: PA More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Advertisement Like us on Facebook at
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
School which banned girl, 12, from ‘diversity day' for Union Jack dress closes early for summer over ‘extremist threats'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE SCHOOL which banned a girl from wearing a Union Jack dress has been forced to close following "extremist threats". Courtney, 12, had chosen to wear the dress as part of the school's Culture Celebration day but was told the day was for "everybody else". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Courtney was banned from wearing a Union Jack dress at her school Credit: Roland Leon 4 Now, the school has been shut down following 'extremist' threats Credit: Roland Leon Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire, announced that it was closing "in the interests of student and staff safety" following threats. The school released a letter to parents on Thursday in which is said it was receiving "extremist abuse online and via our telephone systems". Headteacher Jayne Delves and Ranjit Samra, CEO of Stowe Valley Multi-Academy Trust, both said that members of staff had been threatened. The letter said that the "nature and tone" of the threats had escalated in recent days too. The letter continued: "While we have been working closely with our multi-agency partners to address the situation, our primary responsibility remains the safety and wellbeing of every child and member of staff. "This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We understand the disruption this may cause to your families and your child's education, but the safety of our school community must come first." The abuse followed an online frenzy over Courtney's decision to wear the now controversial dress on her school's Culture Celebration Day. Courtney had chosen the Union Jack dress in reference to the iconic outfit worn by Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. However, she was allegedly told: 'You get to celebrate being British every day, this is for everybody else.' The 12-year-old had planned to read a speech about tea, Shakespeare, fish and chips and the royals as part of her presentation. Sir Keir issues rallying cry to 'reclaim our flag' for St George's Day as PM savagely attacks those who 'sow division' Courtney was offered the chance to wear second-hand uniform, instead of the dress she had chosen. When she refused, her father, Stuart Field, arrived at the school and took her home. Stuart said the school had issued an apology before slamming them for "virtue signalling". He said: 'Her head of year bizarrely said that if she had worn a suit of armour or a nurse's outfit, she probably would have been allowed. It's ridiculous. "The irony is they were having a cultural diversity day and yet they singled out a group of people. 'She's a grade-A student and they have vilified her and punished her for being proud of being British.' Stuart added that another mum at the school told him that her son had been banned from wearing a farmer's outfit. Ahead of the event, the school's headteacher had described the Culture Celebration day as an opportunity for "celebrating the rich cultural diversity within our school community". 4 Bilton School in Rugby says that its members of staff have been 'threatened' Credit: Roland Leon In her speech, Courtney had hoped to say: 'We have lots of traditions including drinking tea, our love of talking about the weather and our Royal Family. 'We have amazing history, like kings and queens, castles and writers like Shakespeare.' She was also planning on saying: 'Sometimes at school we only hear about other cultures — which is great because learning about different countries is interesting and important. 'But it can feel like being British doesn't count as a culture, just because it's the majority.' Speaking out about the incident, a spokesperson for the school said: 'We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies. "We've since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better. 'We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring every student feels recognised and supported.' Courtney's dad has also suggested that other children carrying flags belonging to Wales and England weren't allowed in either. He said: "Another with a St George's flag and another with a Welsh flag were not allowed in either. It was ridiculous. It just seemed anything that was remotely British wasn't allowed. "It's ironic they were having a cultural diversity day but then decided to single out a group of people." 4 Courtney said that her dress was a reference to Geri Halliwell Credit: PA More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
We live in shadow of psychiatric hospital housing UK's most dangerous killers – it's so creepy not even the birds sing
IN an eerie rural village walled in by beautiful country fields, spooked residents lock their doors at the first blare of warning sirens, while "not even the birds sing". That's because this creepy community exists in the dark shadow of one of the UK's most notorious - and troubled - high-security psychiatric hospitals, whose grim alumni include 15 This sleepy rural village lies in the shadow of one of the UK's most notorious psychiatric institutions Credit: Roland Leon 15 Just doors down from residents' homes, the institution's fences are visible Credit: Roland Leon Since in 1912, the village of Woodbeck in rural Nottinghamshire has existed cheek by jowl alongside Rampton mental health hospital - one of three such high-security institutions in the UK holding patients with dangerous, violent or criminal tendencies. Despairing residents - many of whom have worked in the facility themselves - claim their house prices are stuck in a rut thanks to the prospect of living doors down from deadly criminals. Others, in light of a recent damning watchdog report, reserve their biggest fears for the overworked staff at One former nurse, who wished to remain anonymous , told The Sun: "It's a dangerous s**thole. It's understaffed and morale is horrific." They added: "I would say a staff member is going to get killed." Around 400 patients, who have been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, are currently housed at the site. Originally opened as an "overspill" for Broadmoor Asylum, it covers 190 acres and consists of 14 high-security main ward blocks and 14 secure "villas". One villager, who has lived there for 20 years, described the procedures in place for locals in case any of the inmates ever managed to escape. "If anyone got out, they'd be going somewhere," they eerily told a Fellow resident Julie Edwards added: "We get fire engines going by because of the nature of who's in there, but you just expect that of an evening." The Dull Truth About Serial Killers In recent years, Woodbeck has been voted the worst place in Nottinghamshire for community wellbeing. The lack of shops, buses or a school mean many residents feel "stuck" there, and they say it has become "more cut off" over the years as facilities have been stripped bare. 15 Soham murderer Ian Huntley was initially held at the facility Credit: Alamy 15 Killer nurse Beverley Allitt, with baby Katie Phillips whom she later murdered, was also housed there Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 15 Rampton also housed cannibal killer Peter Bryan who committed three gruesome murders between 1993 and 2004 Credit: Handout 15 Charles Bronson has spent more than half a century in various prisons and psychiatric hospitals including Rampton The average house price in Woodbeck is £150,000, far lower than the £269,000 seen across the UK. During The Sun's visit, one woman who was interested in purchasing a home there said she and her partner knew it faced the hospital, but had decided to take a look anyway, tempted by the price. However, the woman, who asked not to be named, said: 'It's the creepiest place I've ever been and I'm not coming back. "There's something really spooky about it and I don't feel comfortable here at all. "It's a good price and it's quite spacious but it feels quite surreal. I can't even hear the birds sing.' 15 The eerie fences of Rampton Mental Hospital Credit: Roland Leon 15 Barry Woolley, a former hospital employee, remembers fonder days Credit: Roland Leon 15 Many locals can't shake the eerie feeling Credit: Roland Leon 15 A creepy play park lies deserted Credit: Roland Leon Local mechanic Mark Smith told One resident explained the houses used to be all owned by the hospital itself, but are now privately owned or rented, with many staff buying them "on the cheap". Local Michael Warriner, meanwhile, said many people who move to the village to work at the hospital don't generally stay long. "It's just something to secure their CV and they don't really take pride in the area," he said. 'Anxious, isolated and unsafe' The hospital hit the headlines in May after a healthcare watchdog stated that the facility requires "urgent improvement,' following its rating of "inadequate" in January 2024. The Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS trust that runs it was being probed over the care of Nottingham killer The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report said that between March 2024 and February 2025, staff submitted 777 incident forms where the reasons stated were "clinically unsafe staffing". The Sun spoke to a former nurse team leader who worked there for 11 years and still lives in Woodbeck, which was once filled with NHS workers. The man, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed there is a culture of micromanagement and backstabbing, with staff severely undervalued and given little support. The former staff member claimed there were situations that had been "swept under the carpet", adding: "You have one qualified member of staff running back and forth between two or three wards." 15 Rampton holds patients with dangerous, violent, or criminal tendencies Credit: Roland Leon 15 It hit the headlines in May after a healthcare watchdog stated that the facility requires 'urgent improvement' Credit: Roland Leon 15 Martyn Farrow lives a stone's throw from the hospital's fences Credit: Roland Leon Martyn Farrow, who worked as a Rampton nurse for 12 years and then as a security officer for 13 years, lives a stone's throw from the hospital's imposing double fence. The grandfather-of-seven, 69, says the hospital relies heavily on agencies, adding that staff play the system for an easier life. He said: 'There is no training like there used to be. When I first started working at Rampton, staff spent 18 months on a training course – now I'd be amazed if they did two days. 'There should never be one qualified person for two or three wards. "In the past, some wards had 34 patients and six specialist staff per ward. It's criminal mismanagement.' The hospital was rated "requires improvement" by government watchdogs following an unannounced inspection in March. While the CQC found some "clear improvements" had been made, it said the trust had work to do "to address staff shortages and support staff". Sometimes staff were found to be working alone at night, unable to take breaks, and reported feeling "anxious, isolated and unsafe". In January 2024 a coroner called for improvements at the hospital following the death of a patient who swallowed a crayon. 'Child killer called me mum' Villager Barry Woolley, 79, was a staff nurse at Rampton for 20 years and reminisced about the days when dances were held for patients and wards took part in football tournaments. He said: 'The patients came in and were told what they were doing, and a lot of the staff came from the forces. I think society is different now.' Valerie Farrow was a nursing assistant in women's services at Rampton with her husband Martyn, where she came to know Beverley Allitt, a former nurse who killed four babies and attempted to kill three others at a hospital in Grantham, Lincolnshire , in the 1990s. The 77-year-old said: 'If I hadn't known what she'd done, I'd never have known. She was always all right with me. "We'd talk about all sorts, nothing to do with her crimes. If they ever wanted to tell me what they had done, I'd listen, but I never asked. "You have to put it all to the back of your mind.' Who are the UK's worst serial killers? THE UK's most prolific serial killer was actually a doctor. Here's a rundown of the worst offenders in the UK. After his death Jonathan Balls was accused of poisoning at least 22 people between 1824 and 1845. Amelia Sach and Annie Walters became known as the Finchley Baby Farmers after killing at least 20 babies between 1900 and 1902. The pair became the first women to be hanged at Holloway Prison on February 3, 1903. William Burke and William Hare killed 16 people and sold their bodies. Valerie grew so acquainted with Carol Barratt, who murdered an 11-year-old schoolgirl at a shopping centre in Doncaster in 1991, that the killer called her "mother" and invited her to her wedding. 'A few got married in Rampton,' she said. 'I enjoyed the work. I felt I was doing something to help, it gave me a sense of purpose.' Now, as troubling questions continue to be asked about the facility, residents of sleepy Woodbeck are being left with much darker memories. Becky Sutton, Chief Operating Officer at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, told The sun: "Our colleagues are dedicated to delivering excellent care, often in challenging circumstances. "We actively listen to feedback from them, working in partnership to make improvements to support our colleagues and our patients, enhance safety and build a stronger learning culture. "We know there is more to do, and we're focused on working closely with colleagues to make further improvements so we can meet the standards our patients and colleagues deserve." 15 Valerie Farrow came to know baby killer Beverley Allitt Credit: Roland Leon 15 Locals living in the village of Woodbeck feel overshadowed by its dark secret Credit: Roland Leon
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Our town is a vile dust bowl making us ILL after months of relentless roadworks forced us to sell up
Residents feel forced to sell their homes due to the works 'DUMPING GROUND' Our town is a vile dust bowl making us ILL after months of relentless roadworks forced us to sell up LOCALS in a market town are furious as roadworks continue to cause chaos nearly ten years on from when the work first started. The work on a residential development in Stafford began in 2016 after plans were submitted for 475 new homes. 9 Locals living next to roadworks that have been ongoing for years have told of their frustration Credit: Roland Leon 9 Christine Taylor, 74, lives opposite the construction site and says the works have caused swarms of blue bottle flies to come into her home Credit: Roland Leon 9 Many locals have to put up with the noise from the works Credit: Roland Leon While the houses have since been completed, the project is still far from finished as road improvement plans remain underway. These plans include a new dual-carriageway, re-configuring a roundabout and installing several new sets of traffic lights. However, beyond the works causing regular congestion on the A513, they have also left residents outraged. One angry local, Jade, said: 'It is just vile with all the dust and dirt. 'Now they have started work on the roundabout just by our place and there is digging, banging, and lorries reversing all through the night.' Jade went on to explain that she is a mother of four and her son has autism so is struggling with the noise. She added: 'My little boy has autism and won't sleep because of the noise. 'Everyone is fed up with the temporary lights and there being no safe spaces for kids to cross an A-road. "It is also making me ill." Houses in this development cost a premium of up to £500,000, which only resulted in the properties being featured on an episode of Rip off Britain. Teacher and mum-of-six, Rachel Kennedy moved to the development in October 2020. After experiencing flooding both in her garden and also in the nearby playground, she has described the roadworks as an 'added pain.' She explained that her mile long route to school now takes up to 30 minutes. Rachel said: 'I have walked it but with four children under seven it is difficult.' She also described the roundabout built at the top of her road as "unnecessary." Stafford Borough Council announced the works in February 2023, saying they would last 12 months. However, 28 months on there is still no end in sight for the disgruntled residents. Anton and his wife Tash, both 32, share similar frustrations to their neighbours. The pair, who own an electrical business, said: 'Everything about the estate is a pain.' Anton added: 'This was supposed to be a cul-de-sac but earlier this year they had to open it up as it was the only access point to the estate and we couldn't get onto our drive because of the queuing cars. 9 Stafford Road works and grid lock have gone on for years Credit: Roland Leon 9 Teacher and mum-of-six, Rachel Kennedy moved to the development in October 2020 Credit: Roland Leon 9 The cluster of homes have been surrounded by noise and dust for years Credit: Roland Leon 'People were driving into the cones in frustration.' In reference to the amount of dust the roadworks have caused, he added: 'The only people happy around here are the window cleaners.' Another fed-up local, Paula, 28, said: 'We moved in four years ago and no-one told us there would be a building site opposite with great piles of rubble. 'We will wash our cars and overnight they collect dust.' Paula, who works as a technical trainer, was promised green space upon moving to the development, however is still yet to see an end to the road works. She said: 'I understand the road works are necessary and will make things better but the finish date has been moved three times already.' Mother of four and salon owner, Bailey Wilkin, explained that it has now reached a point where some of her neighbours are trying to sell up. She said: 'People are selling up but with all these works going on the houses are devalued.' Another mum, Sophie, 28, added: 'The school runs are really bad. 'They take forever and I am late for work all the time. 'There are so many temporary traffic lights and lots of people suffering road rage. 'It's really unsafe.' A resident from Parkside estate on the other side of the A513, Christine Taylor, 74, said: 'My house could not be closer to the roundabout and they are working nights with diggers going all the time. 'It sets my dogs off barking all the time and now we are getting swarms of blue bottle flies. 'It must be something they've triggered. 'I filled out a form years ago for compensation but I'm quite sure nothing will come of it.' Reportedly, the works include dualling of the A513 Beaconside, the creation of a new signalised junction on the north side of the A513 and the signalisation of Newbold Drive. A Staffordshire County Council spokesperson said: 'As a new administration, we are well aware that the ongoing works at Beaconside being carried out by Taylor Wimpey as part of its Marston Grange development are causing considerable disruption. 'As this scheme is wholly developer-led the county council has minimal influence or control on the works or their progress. 'However we will maintain regular contact with Taylor Wimpey and continue to press them to conclude as quickly as possible. 'All updates on the scheme are provided by Taylor Wimpey.' A Taylor Wimpey representative added: 'We understand the frustrations of the local community whilst we carry out the programme of works for the highway improvement project. 'Whilst these improvements are aimed at reducing journey times, easing congestion and improving safety for residents and road users, we acknowledge that there have been some unexpected delays which have impacted the local community. 'We recognise the need for clearer communication, and would like to apologise for any inconvenience or confusion caused. 'We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum, and we are working closely with stakeholders to ensure all works are completed by the end of November.' 9 Paula, 28, has to wash her car frequently due to the heavy dust Credit: Roland Leon 9 Anton and his wife Tash, both 32, share similar frustrations to their neighbours Credit: Roland Leon
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Dark curse ravaging ‘UK's best high street' as pregnant mums targeted & criminals stamp sinister QR codes to lamp posts
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PERCHED on a bench and sprawled on the manicured grass, four men and a women enjoy a loud animated conversation, swearing and oblivious to the young families nearby as they puff on cannabis joints. They're soon joined by a dealer who brazenly rattles through his drug menu: 'I've got C (cocaine), keti-cut (ketamine cut with cocaine), xans (the antidepressant Xanax) gabbies (pregabalin – a prescription drug often used for epilepsy), anything you need,' he says. 15 Junkies brazenly deal and get their fix in the grounds of the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum Credit: Roland Leon 15 A sharp rise in cocaine and drug use is blighting Shrewsbury, which was recently hailed for boasting Britain's best high street Credit: Roland Leon 15 In February this year, four men in their 30s, 40s and 60s were arrested just outside Shrewsbury and released on bail after a huge haul of cocaine worth £80million was recovered Credit: Supplied It's the kind of illegal trade that draws regular users to Pride Hill in Shrewsbury town centre - a sad indication of how a sharp rise in cocaine and drug use is blighting the area boasting 'Britain's best high street' according to The Telegraph. No longer an after-dark secret in sprawling social housing estates, brazenly buying and selling gear in broad daylight just off the main pedestrianised shopping area is a common sight in Shrewsbury. 'It's like a drop-in centre for people with nowhere to go and nothing to do,' says a builder working in the town centre, pointing to the group. 'People know not to go near them because they can be aggressive if they're not asleep. 'Sadly it's a sign of the times. It's school half term and people are going into the castle grounds with their children without realising what's happening.' In nearby Wyle Cop, a charming shopping street lined with 39 listed buildings, retired aerospace worker John Edwards, 70, points out evidence of how dark web drug marketing has evolved to open websites. Silver stickers embossed with QR codes are plastered on public litter bins, bus stops and lampposts in the town - recently named the best place to live in Shropshire and one of the best in the Midlands by The Sunday Times. 'You see these stickers all over the place, advertising drugs with QR codes,' he says. 'A smartphone scan links you to websites selling drugs. 'Every time I see one I scrape them off, but they just seem to reappear.' John, who spruces signs and bus shelters on a voluntary basis and is a regular sight in the town with his cleaning trolley, says drug use there is not easy to stamp out. Horror as delivery driver, 23, is 'ambushed & killed by gang armed with blades and blunt objects' in Shrewsbury 15 Retired aerospace worker John Edwards spruces signs and bus shelters on a voluntary basis Credit: Roland Leon 15 Silver stickers embossed with QR codes for ordering drugs are plastered on public litter bins, bus stops and lampposts in the town Credit: Roland Leon 15 The gang of drug users (bottom left) appear oblivious to families visiting the picturesque tourist spots nearby Credit: Roland Leon 'I would say it's far more prevalent than ever here in Shrewsbury,' he tells The Sun. 'You might see the odd car stopping and people on the street, but they're gone before anyone reports them. 'I know there have been issues with country lines dealers who come out of Wrexham and Merseyside probably knowing they can drum up trade in the shires.' Ron, 64, who runs a key cutting business in the town centre says drug abuse has risen in the town. 'I have a homeless bloke who sells cocaine and other drugs but is harmless. I don't know where he stays but he often pops in for a coffee,' he says. 'Drugs are all over the place, not just in Shrewsbury. If you go up the hill at the side of the castle, you can often see evidence of empty wrappers littered on the ground.' Pregnant women targeted A 60-year-old local midwife, who asks not to be named, says she sees first-hand the heartbreaking evidence of increased cocaine use among young pregnant women when she carries out antenatal screening. 'There is a definite rise in cocaine and ketamine use among youngsters living in social housing,' she says. 'I see it as part of my job. I do about two toxicology tests a week and I'm sad to say, there's usually evidence of cocaine or cocaine mixed with something. 'These young girls don't realise the long-term damage it can do to unborn babies, like premature birth, growth defects and eye development.' I do about two toxicology tests a week and I'm sad to say, there's usually evidence of cocaine or cocaine mixed with something. These young girls don't realise the long-term damage it can do to unborn babies Local midwife Trainee chef Grant Lewis, 18, says the homeless population in particular are being targeted by drug gangs. 'I know the police try to crack down on county line dealing across Shrewsbury and Shropshire, but the organised crime gangs will always go where there's money to be made and people to be exploited,' he says. 'You can see people blatantly taking drugs in the daytime in town and you can smell the weed in the air.' His girlfriend, student Abi-Lou Foster, 19, says even though she and Grant don't drink and have never taken drugs, she knows friends who take cocaine without thinking of the long-term addictive consequences. 'To be honest, I don't even think they do it out of boredom,' she says. 'It's more that they think it's cool to do it, even though they get out of control and have to find the money to pay for it. 'I live in Market Drayton and sadly, the use of cocaine seems a lot more common there.' 15 Trainee chef Grant Lewis and his girlfriend Abi-Lou Foster says the homeless population in particular are being targeted by drug gangs Credit: Roland Leon 15 Wyle Cop is a charming shopping street lined with 39 listed buildings and independent shops Credit: Roland Leon 15 Beer and cider cans dumped in the town centre Credit: Roland Leon 15 Retired factory worker Martin Kerr says dealers congregate on the nearby bridge in the Brunel Drive area of Shrewsbury Credit: Roland Leon Stench of weed Retired manufacturing worker Martin Kerr, 66, says dealers often turned up in cars in the Brunel Drive area of Shrewsbury or do deals on the nearby bridge. 'I think things are the same in any UK town now because there's so much poverty and homelessness,' he says. 'It's a shame because Shrewsbury is a lovely place to live, but I suppose you're always going to get some areas where there's a demand for drugs.' Taxi driver Paul Ryder, 64, is used to ferrying passengers who sometimes ask him to wait around the corner from where they are meeting dealers. I keep air freshener in the car because some passengers get in stinking of weed. Sometimes it's so strong it makes my eyes water and I have to open the window Taxi driver Paul Ryder 'Cocaine, ketamine and cannabis use is common nowadays,' he says. 'I see dealers pull up in big expensive cars when I drop off passengers. I mind my own business because I don't want any trouble, but I refuse to take anyone who looks like they're on something. 'I keep air freshener in the car because some passengers get in stinking of weed. Sometimes it's so strong it makes my eyes water and I have to open the window. 'Towns like Shrewsbury are fair game for county line suppliers. It's a different world now.' Depending on the dealer, cocaine can be picked up for around £40 a half gram, £80 a gram or three half gram bags for £100. Cannabis is around £10 a gram. £80million haul 15 Four men were arrested on suspicion of drug offences in Merrington, north of Shrewsbury, after a haul of cocaine worth £80m was recovered in a shipping container at Tilbury Docks in Essex in December 2024 Credit: Supplied 15 (L-R) Jamie Lloyd, Nigel Smith and Callum Grimster were found with several hundred pounds worth of Class A drugs when police raided two flats in Shrewsbury in February 2017. Lloyd was jailed and Grimster and Smith were given suspended sentences Credit: Supplied In February this year, four men in their 30s, 40s and 60s were arrested and released on bail after a huge haul of cocaine worth £80million was recovered as part of a National Crime Agency investigation. The suspects were arrested in the sleepy Shropshire village of Merrington after Border Force searched a shipping container and found 847.5 kilos of the Class A drug on December 23 at Tilbury Docks in Essex. A woman in her 40s was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering and released under investigation. Last October two men were jailed for a total of nine years for their part in a county lines drugs operation in Shrewsbury. Connor Sholliker, 24, of Wilson Road in Prescot, Merseyside was sentenced to six years for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs - crack cocaine and heroin. And Kaine Currens, 23, of Manor Road in Hadley, Telford was handed a three-year sentence for being concerned in the supply of the same substances. The pair were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court following a proactive investigation by the local organised crime team. It was quickly established that both men were part of the 'Kev' county line, which operated from Merseyside and was responsible for bringing large quantities of class A drugs into Shrewsbury. Evidence showed both men had links to phone numbers identified as drug lines used to run the dealing network. As part of their operation they targeted vulnerable young people and used their homes as a base for their drug dealing - a practice known as 'cuckooing'. Following their conviction, Detective Constable Andrea Marston, of the local organised crime team in Shropshire, said drugs were a blight on the community and ruined lives. 'We're constantly working to rid our streets of drugs and I'm glad that we've been able to dismantle this line and that Sholliker and Currens will now face time behind bars for their part in it. We won't underestimate the impact that drug use has on the communities we protect and serve and it's something we take incredibly seriously West Mercia Police spokesperson 'The local community are key in helping us to tackle drug dealing and I'd always urge anyone with any information or concerns about drug dealing or drug use in their area to let us know.' Last June two men were handed confiscation orders at Shrewsbury Crown Court after being jailed in September 2023 for multiple drugs offences. Drugs with an estimated street value of between £100k -£120k and £72,916 cash were seized in April 2023 after police carried out warrants at two properties in Shrewsbury. According to the latest data, the crime rate in the Marshalls Court area of Shrewsbury is 2.76 times higher than the town average, with drug and gun-related crimes 3.66 times higher. In Barleyfield, the crime rate is 2.26 times higher than the Shrewsbury average with drug and gun-related crimes 1.49 times higher. A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: 'The use of drugs is unfortunately an issue in all towns and cities across the UK. 'We won't underestimate the impact that drug use has on the communities we protect and serve and it's something we take incredibly seriously. 'Drug dealers prey on some of the most vulnerable people in society and their presence in turn causes more crime such as shoplifting, burglary and anti-social behaviour. 'Our officers continue to work hard to prevent and tackle drug use by engaging with our local communities, as well as working close with partners including the NHS, housing providers and local drug support charities. 'Where appropriate, we can and do take robust action against those who supply drugs.' Cllr Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council deputy leader said: "Shrewsbury is a fantastic and historic town but sadly has the same issues as so many others – in the town centre, the impact of drug use can sometimes be quite visible. 'Public Health in Shropshire has a Partnership approach in place as part of the Safeguarding Community Partnership. There is a Tackling Drugs and Alcohol Group which is attended by a number of organisations, such as Public Health, Police, Homelessness and Drug and Alcohol services. 'The group looks to address how the footprint meets the National Strategy - From Harm to Hope. "In Shropshire there is a very clear harm reduction perspective, with early help and recovery services supporting those most vulnerable at its centre. "If you or someone you know may have a problem with alcohol or drugs, the Shropshire Council website details what support is available.' 15 Detective Constable Andrea Marston, of the local organised crime team in Shropshire, said drugs were a blight on the community and ruined lives Credit: Roland Leon 15 Cllr Alex Wagner said: "Shrewsbury is a fantastic and historic town but sadly has the same issues as so many others – in the town centre, the impact of drug use can sometimes be quite visible" Credit: Roland Leon
