Pubdate: Tue, 04 Jun 2013
Source: Illawarra Mercury (Australia)
Copyright: 2013 Illawarra Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.illawarramercury.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/205
Author: Emma Spillett

REVAMP TO HELP SOLVE MALL DRUG ISSUES: COUNCIL

Wollongong City Council has played down claims that drug dealing is 
worsening in Crown Street Mall, despite terrified retailers revealing 
they are increasingly the target of abuse and threats from criminals.

The council's economic development manager Mark Grimson yesterday 
denied any rise in drug trade in the shopping hub, saying mall 
security guards, employed by the council, had not noticed any increase.

He admitted new seating had created a "concentration" of people 
gathering in the lower mall but said security would monitor the area.

Several retailers came forward last week with concerns about the 
increase in unsavoury characters hanging out in the mall, peddling 
drugs outside their stores, hurling abuse at shop owners and threatening staff.

The council believes revitalising the mall, attracting more shoppers 
and more after-hours trade, is the key to addressing crime.

"The more investment we make in the city and the more people we have 
coming through the mall, the more vibrant and active it becomes and 
that's really the way of addressing these things," Mr Grimson said.

"We really want to create a more attractive, vibrant city centre and 
get more people generally in the city centre both during the trading 
day and outside those times.

"It's something that's really happening now - look at Globe Lane, 
even compared to 12 months ago. I went there three weeks ago on 
Saturday night and there was a line-up to get into the new cafe at 
9.30 at night.

"It's a long-term objective, it's not going to happen overnight but 
it's certainly something we want to spend a lot of time to address."

Safety has also been considered as part of the mall redesign with 
improved sight lines, assisted by the removal of the amphitheatre and 
"birdcage", creating a more openspace.

Despite the hefty investment in the mall revamp, dozens of Wollongong 
residents believe it will take more than a lick of paint and new 
cafes to reduce crime in the area.

The Mercury's website has received a barrage of comments from 
frustrated readers who believe the mall's proximity to the Denison 
Street methadone clinic is to blame for criminal activity.

Johno said: "moving the methadone clinic out of Wollongong CBD would 
be a start" while Sarah wrote: "get rid of that methadone clinic, 
it's keeping the riff raff in the centre of Wollongong".

Several also called on the council and police to use more "covert" 
tactics to catch dealers in action.

Mr Grimson said the council's security had a limited amount of 
resources but guards would continue to work closely with police and 
monitor the mall's CCTV footage.

He encouraged shop owners to report any incidents and said the 
council would continue to liaise with retailers.
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