ALARM AS HEROIN USE RISES

SPOONS taken for heroin use and syringes in the Hilltop Plaza toilet add to
evidence from youth workers that the drug is more prevalenty around
Charlestown Mall.

"It's just phenomenal the amount of heroin around lately," Eastlakes youth
worker Shane Reed said yesterday.

"It's in the mall area."

"A lot of young people are talking about it and saying they're getting
offered heroin and speed."

Mr Reed bnased his assertion on talking to youths in the Pearson St Mall
and those who came to the Eastlakes Youth Centre, in Charlestown Rd.

"Young people when they build up a rapport with you they don't bullshit
you," he said.

Recently appointed youth worker Todd Martin said the drug problem had been
"picking up a lot."

He said Friday night was the centre's big night with 50 to 70 youths aged
between 12 and 25 dropping in.

"Obviously they're speaking to people we don't get to talk to," Mr Martin
said.

Anne Noble, who runs a bridal shop in the mall and a cafe in Hilltop Plaza,
said the heroin users had even taken spoons off the counter, presumably to
use when shooting up.

She had been asked for cups of hot water before she realised they were
being used for mixing the heroin powder.

One girl had paid for tea but Mrs Noble had found the discarded teabag in
the Hilltop Plaza toilet, along with a syringe.

Graffitti, broken windoes and intimidation by youth was a regular problem.

Det Insp Ken Henderson of Charlestown police, said he was not aware of any
surge in heroin use.

He said police had received information about addicts using the toilets
next to Rebel and arrests had been made in the past couple of weeks.

"Unfortunately the penalties for using drugs are minimal," Det Insp
Henderson said.

Mr Reed and Mrs Noble expressed their concerns at a Lake Macquarie City
Council public forum on the Charlestown planning district held last week in
Cardiff.

Council city strategist Ian Andrews said results from the Lifestyle 2020
workshop included more activity and resident surveillance in the mall.

Shop-top housing and a coffee shop on the western corner of Ridley and
Pearson streets was an example.

The rotunda would be shifted out of Ridley St and into the Pearson St Mall
at the entrance to the proposed Charlestown Square cinema centre.

Ridley St could be opened to traffic.

Under the plans, the youth centre would move eventually to the unused area
of the Charlestown East Primary School, on the Pacific Highway.

A skateboard park would be provided near the tennis courts and bowling
club.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski