AN opinion article by a Worcester News reporter has sparked a conversation about drug abuse in Worcester. In Monday’s Worcester News court reporter James Connell wrote of how an increase in homelessness and aggressive begging, drunkenness and drug abuse were ruining the beauty of the city.

In response, Ross Neilson said: “It’s not the problem of drugs, it’s that it’s completely underfunded, divided and overpopulated. Half of the city is stuck in the 70s and the other half is just a few tarted up buildings turned into popular eateries. The council will paint a few buildings and then call it a day. It needs far more services and places for the neediest, such as addicts and the homeless.”

However Russell Haywood said: “Most of the homeless people are addicts, that’s why they rough sleep as no shelters allow drugs or alcohol in them or people under the influence. Nobody forced them to take the stuff so I’ve not much sympathy for them to be honest, having seen what they do when housed.”

Fair Point: Drugs are destroying Worcester

Sue Purcell said: “Thirteen years ago is just the time we moved here from Bristol which was getting unsafe to walk about on your own. There were drugs problems everywhere, traffic, horrendous buildings, vast amounts of houses but no extra doctors and hospitals, and was sinking under the weight of so many needy people. Ring any bells? Oh yes it sounds just like Worcester now!”

Samantha Bailey said: “The grass is no greener on the other side. Worcester isn’t any different to every other city.”

Si Moore said: “Worcester city is stunning, yes it's true it does have its bleak parts but doesn’t every city all over the world? Worcester is beautiful, there aren’t many cities in the West Midlands that have a wonderfully historic cathedral on a hill with amazing green views in every direction, a gorgeous meandering river with more swans than I’ve seen anywhere else.”

Jamie Arnold: “It’s the lack of taking responsibility for their own actions that lands people in this mess.”