Pubdate: Wed, 25 Jul 2012
Source: Herald, The (UK)
Copyright: 2012 The Western Morning News Co. Ltd
Contact:  http://thisisplymouth.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4406

PARK IS A 'HOTSPOT' FOR DRUG ABUSERS

A PLYMSTOCK park is being targeted by police after being identified as
a "hotspot" for drug abuse.

Hypodermic needles and other drug paraphernalia, such as foils, pipes
and insulin cartridges, have been found at Radford Park on several
occasions.

Police are now taking action to try to combat the anti-social
behaviour.

PCSO Mark Rothwell told the Herald: "Targeted patrols are now taking 
place in the park at regular intervals by the neighbourhood and response 
teams.

"At the moment we think it is one or two individuals as opposed to a
large group.

"We urge members of the public who see anything suspicious, especially
after dark, to call us on the 101 non-emergency number. We are always
happy for the public to call in should they see anything.

"We will continue with the targeted patrols for the foreseeable future
and are glad we have been made aware of the problem. Hopefully the
police presence will deter people and may resolve the situation."

The issue at Radford Park was first reported in The Herald last week
after Rachel and Dee Gibson, directors at Our Place, Our Base, a
not-for-profit organisation that was set up to help save Devonport
Naval Base, found evidence of drug abuse and contacted the paper.

Mrs Gibson, a qualified youth worker, was shocked and concerned by
what she found. She now wants to use an area of the park to run a
youth group.

She said: "I want to get Plymouth City Council's permission to use the
hide in the park to set up a group for young people. I really want to
engage them in cultural and heritage projects surrounding the area."

Councillor Mike Leaves, for the Plymstock area, said he would be
supportive of such a project. He said: "I have been in contact with
Mrs Gibson about setting up such a project and will be talking to her
in the coming weeks about using the hide.

"I do agree the area needs more youth projects and anything that will
offer young people and the people of Plymstock something extra is
always a positive."

Cllr Leaves said he was "pleased" the police were taking action at the
park, adding that it was "unacceptable" to have needles lying around.
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MAP posted-by: Matt