Thefts stop free internet sessions
A Shrewsbury education centre has pulled the plug on free evening internet access after a number of incidents including one in which takings were stolen.
The Gateway, in Chester Street, provided computer access in the day and during the evening but on Monday the evening access was suspended.
Sarah Bromley, adult and community learning manager, at the centre said the Broadplace would open from 9am to 3pm with wireless access provided in the coffee shop until 5pm.
She said the decision had been made because of security issues after the attempted theft of a laptop and the theft of some takings from the coffee shop in the last two weeks.
"Last week some cash was stolen from the coffee shop, there were two incidents within two weeks.
"In the first incident someone interfered with an laptop and tried to remove it.
She said the venue had taken the decision to close the Broadplace in the evenings to protect the safety of staff and the public.
She said there were other free internet points for residents including access for job seekers through the Job Centre and at Shrewsbury Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8pm.
Chris Toms, 49, from Castlefields, said he was disgusted about the decision.
He said: "It's mainly adults that used the computers in the evening and it allowed people to feel part of the community. I'm a council tax payer and the centre is council funded, it's a lifeline for some people."