'Riot' estate urged to speak out

Caia Park is the largest council estate ever built in Wales

Residents of a Wrexham housing estate which saw two nights of summer race riots have been urged to let police know what is happening in their area.

North Wales Police have set up weekly surgeries in Caia Park to gain inside information about the estate and deal with the concerns of local people.

Many residents blamed poor policing on the violent outbreak in June and police believe weekly surgeries will help the force seem more accessible.

The first meeting was held on Tuesday, and a new team of community beat managers using the latest technology have been installed to tackle the estate's lasting problems.

If people are willing to come forward and provide good information we will act upon it Sergeant Darren Jacks

The officers have been issued with hand-held computers to enable them to spend more time on the estate.

The technology will allow officers to record crimes and take statements without having to return to the police station.

"We would encourage people to come and talk to us about any concerns they might have or just to drop in to say hello and have a chat," said Sergeant Darren Jacks.

"We are working hard to drive the drug dealers out of the area... if people are willing to come forward and provide good information we will act upon it," he said.

Sgt Jacks and five community beat officers will regularly monitor the area.

Sgt Jacks is part of a team working for almost 14,000 residents

Deprived wards

A total of 73 people were arrested during the trouble three months ago, which police believe was racially-motivated.

The new surgery has been welcomed by north Wales AM Eleanor Burnham.

"I was born in Wrexham and was a magistrate in the town and I am delighted to see this initiative in Caia Park which I support 100%," she said.

The surgeries will be held every Tuesday at the Caia Park community centre between 0900BST and 1300BST.