Action call after claims that drugs and glue sniffing are 'ruining' Churchdown
RESIDENTS have called for action after drug taking and glue sniffing in Churchdown.
Concerns about people parking at the top of Chosen Hill and using it as a venue to smoke cannabis have sparked a police crackdown with extra patrols.
-
Glue sniffing: Picture posed by model
But residents said the problem needed to be stopped quickly.
One person, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I am really worried about it.
"There have been people taking drugs and sniffing glue up there.
"It is terrible, what if young children found the drugs or saw these people doing it.
"It is disgusting. Something needs to be done because it is ruining our area."
The issues were raised earlier this month in a Neighbourhood Community Meeting.
Since then Cheltenham Road East Safer Community Team (SCT) has made the issue of one of its policing priorities with daily high-visibility patrols near to St Bartholomew's Church, particularly between 7pm and midnight.
The measures have already resulted in four youths being cautioned for possession of cannabis, as a first offence.
County council funded officer PC Mark Peart said: "We have increased patrols at Chosen Hill and it seems that young people in the area are getting the message.
"The Safer Community Team is determined to stamp out this behaviour, with patrols continuing over the coming months.
"We are liaising with the dog section and their springer spaniels will be available to search cars if the need arises.
"The results of the action taken so far are pleasing but we are not complacent and will keep monitoring the situation."
If anyone has any information about drugs being smoked in cars, not only at Chosen Hill, but also in the Churchdown area they should call Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Comments
by Anon, Churchdown
Monday, September 27 2010, 8:21AM
“Glue sniffing? You have got to be kidding me?
I¿m sorry, but grow up. I¿ve lived in Churchdown nearly my entire life. I know many Cannabis smokers and yet NOT ONE glue sniffer! I¿d also add that none of them have issues with remaining employed nor an affiliation for harassing, injuring, raping or killing.
Glue sniffing is a convenient phrase pulled out of the poorly informed middle class scaremongers hat when they don¿t feel it quite warrants class A hysteria.
A shred of evidence perhaps and if you can, which I seriously doubt, provide that then how about an effective method to help those with that persuasion make better use of their time rather than simply moving them on? This article, the quoted resident and method¿s of enforcement are on this occasion, simply pathetic and little more than an exercise in futility.
I understand that the public use of Cannabis is an antisocial activity and would encourage those that indulge to refrain from doing so in the best interests of us all rather than simply for their own health benefits HOWEVER, I would equally challenge the Daily Mail contingent that are very much in force here to spend a day in the world as it is rather than as you wish and see if you may apply your conservative values in a constructive and positive way as apposed to venting via this type of inappropriate bilge.
I won¿t hold my breath.”