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from Cathy (cathyvpreece@aol.com)

Lambeth

Date: 03.07.2002 Ref: 1374 Press contact: Charles Wright Tel: 020 7926 2949 Email: cwright@lambeth.gov.uk

Press Release

Council backs clampdown on crack cocaine

Lambeth Council today welcomed the outcome of a Home Office meeting held to discuss the impact of crack cocaine dealing. The meeting agreed a delivery plan to tackle the problems associated with the drug and experienced by communities in Lambeth and elsewhere.

"These problems, while sadly all to well known to us in Lambeth, also effect people elsewhere in the country. We therefore support the delivery plan, which will be decided on urgently as the result of the meeting, " said Lambeth council leader Peter Truesdale.

"Other areas suffering the scourge of crack cocaine will undoubtedly also welcome the news that the fight against crack cocaine will be rolled out wherever necessary across the country."

Councillor Charles Anglin, Lambeth Council executive lead on crime and community safety, added: "Local community backing is essential in order to ensure the success of operations aimed at smashing crack cocaine dealing. It is therefore vital that we get people working together in partnership on the ground."

The meeting focussed on how best to encourage partnership on this issue and acknowledged that this could not be managed from outside the communities whom it affect. Because it is not simply a localised issue, the Home Office will act as facilitator and offer help to the police and local partners.

"Partners are determined to confront and take on these issues, We will produce a delivery plan by the end of the month with the object of addressing these problems and seeking to turn them round," stated Councillor Anglin.

He cited the recent combined police and council operation at Loughborough Junction in Brixton as an example of successful joint working. A police swoop on the notorious "hotspot" inundated with crack dealers, with an integrated back up from council services, cleared the area.

The meeting recognised the progress being made in Lambeth, with figures for the six months from January to June 20002 showing that robbery in the borough has fallen by 50% and burglary by 5% compared to the same period in 2001. It welcomed the contribution now being made by the council leadership.

Home secretary David Blunkett chaired the meeting, which included Lambeth council leader Peter Truesdale, Lambeth chief executive Faith Boardman, Home Office Minister for Drugs Bob Ainsworth and Lambeth MPs Kate Hoey and Keith Hill.

Also in attendance were Acting Lambeth Police Commander Brian Moore, Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Police Service Ian Blair and Lee Jasper, chair of Lambeth community police consultative group.

Issued by the Communication Centre London Borough of Lambeth Lambeth Town Hall Brixton Hill London SW2 1RW

Telephone 020 7926 1000 Fax 020 7926 2835 www.lambeth.gov.uk

(posted 7938 days ago)

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