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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Major clampdown on skunk dealers in Camden Town
Ian Morgan 24dash.com
Friday 23 Feb 2007 A huge boost to police power in Camden Town aims to dramatically reduce the aggressive drugs market - and kick-start a two-year drive to clean-up the area. The significant investment marks the beginning of a major project led by Camden Council and the police to bring together public services, businesses and residents to make Camden Town a better place to live, work and visit. Following calls from residents, businesses and others, Camden Council is investing £300,000 to fund an additional 18 PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) and the local police have agreed to dedicate an additional ten police officers specifically to Camden Town. The new police officers will be in place from mid 2007 to tackle the aggressive cannabis market - only being sent to other areas of the borough in major emergencies. Tackling the drugs market in Camden Town is a top priority for residents in all parts of the borough and that was a clear message from both the recent consultation on the new Community Strategy and the council's review of action to tackle anti-social behaviour. The council and local police believe this enhanced visible police presence is a critical part of the answer to the destructive drugs market in Camden Town, particularly the sale of cannabis, alongside a package of environmental and physical improvements to the area. People have told the council they want a Camden Town that everyone can enjoy - young, old and families - with a safe environment and a wider offer of shops and restaurants. The council is reviewing its planning guidance on food, drink and entertainment to help bring about significant changes. Cllr Ben Rawlings, Executive Member for Community Safety, said: "One message came very clearly through both the anti-social behaviour review and the Community Strategy consultation - Camden Town needs more police. Making a real improvement in Camden Town will require everyone to play their part, and the council knows that the local community and businesses have already made good progress. With this investment in a strong police presence, the council can kick-start a focussed and co-ordinated effort to break the drugs market and make real progress towards a safer Camden Town." Cllr Keith Moffitt, Leader of Camden Council, said: "The Liberal Democrat/Conservative administration is committed to tackling the aggressive drugs market in Camden Town. It is one of London's greatest landmarks and a critical part of the cultural heritage of the borough. For too long the aggressive, visible cannabis market has blighted the Camden Town experience and that is why we have been working closely with the local police to secure this significant additional investment in the area. "The additional police power along with the existing Street Warden and Safer Neighbourhood teams, means that there will be a strong uniformed presence in Camden Town to crack down on the drugs market and make it a safer place." Cllr Andrew Marshall, Deputy Leader of Camden Council, said: "As part of our Community Strategy consultation, we received overwhelming feedback that our local residents want to see a Camden Town where drug dealing, especially visible dealing, is dramatically reduced. The council also agrees with local residents that we need to keep Camden Town's unique character while offering more in the area for locals and visitors of all tastes and ages. The additional PCSOs and other projects we're working on will help make it a reality." Mark Heath, Camden Police Borough Commander, said: "I welcome this joint partnership initiative to provide an increased uniform presence in Camden Town. This two-year investment provides the opportunity to make a significant difference by providing high degrees of visibility to match the enormous numbers of visitors to this, one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. "However, for this investment to truly pay off there needs to be a much wider responsibility to actually change the reasons why Camden Town has been like this for so long. Success will mean that Camden Town is no longer associated with the place to go 'if you want to buy cannabis." The full council is due to agree the final budget at its meeting on February 28. http://www.24dash.com/localgovernment/16991.htm
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