WAR OF WORDS OVER THE WAR ON DRUGS

Councillor Who Branded Bedford Suburb Drug City Is Himself Labelled
Irresponsible

The Poets area of Bedford has been branded 'drug city' by one of the
ward's own councillors at the Town Hall.

Conservative Brian Dillingham made the claim in the January edition
of his leaflet to residents in Harpur ward.

In a piece entitled 'DRUG CITY' in capital letters, he claimed that
many residents had come to him with their concerns.

He singled out Milton Road and Shakespeare Road as two places where
drugs are sold, including a phone box which he claims dealers use to
sell narcotics in public.

But Coun Ian Nicholls, who represents the ward for Labour, said the
claims were "irresponsible and out of touch".

In a leaflet sent out to residents in response, he said: "Calling the
Poets area drug city could attract more drug dealers, and house
prices could fall.

"The fact is that it is actually a low crime area, thanks to local
people working together with the police."

Coun Nicholls highlighted the Poets Neighbourhood Watch group as one
example of how the community has helped to combat crime.

And he said that he has regular meetings with local police,
accompanied by fellow Harpur councillor Colleen Atkins.

Coun Nicholls said: "Whenever drug dealing on some street corners
raises its nasty head, the police and residents take action.
Sometimes police action is a highly visible uniformed police
presence, whilst on other occasions covert surveillance has been used
and arrests have been made.

"We share residents' concerns about drug dealing. None of us want it.
This is why we all work closely together to keep it away as much as possible.

"In the past local residents have been praised for their efforts in
helping to reduce drug dealing."