Another Drug Den Uncovered

Residents have been informing me of the problems that they are facing following the discovery of normally quiet places that are being used by certain young people who have become addicted to drugs.

Councillor Phil Bateman said today " this drug culture that some young people get caught up in is really very dangerous. Not only to the health and well being of the individual but also to the society that they themselves live within.

This sudden explosion of sites in our electoral ward does not mean that there are armies of drug users active here it could be just one or two people who are careless about where they shoot up, where they get their kicks. It could be that as one quiet site is discovered they move to another one.

But the evidence is clear there is drug activity on Ashmore Park and parents,schools family and friends must keep their eyes peeled to find those users and suppliers of this deadly trade. We really do need to tell the police of the discovery of any information whatsoever. This can be done by phoning crimestoppers on 0800555111, or contact the Crime Helpline.
The helpline number is 01902 556330; alternatively e-mail at helpline@cut-crime.fsnet.co.uk, or just contact me and I will take action.

The latest den to come to notice is the former garage site at the rear of Tonadine Close, I have informed the police, I have also informed the City Council who are dispatching the 'Green Team' down to clean up the site and remove the used needles that have been discarded.

I have also contacted the police as I have with the three other sites uncovered in recent weeks. I know that this information will be a worry for parents. I am doing all I can to encourage the Drug Action Team to introduce measures where they can identify the users of discarded needles. In the mean-time I really do believe that residents should be vigilant and report any eveidence of drug activity so that all the information that a community like Ashmore Park can muster can be used by the police in a co-ordinated way. Drug users are known to move towards crime as a means of attaining resources to feed their habit. I am keen that we reduce crime in our community and to ensure that we must crack the problems of drug use."