WAR VETS IN WREATH ROW

Norwich's memorial to its war dead is to be used tomorrow by pro-cannabis
campaigners to highlight their fight against the "persecution of drug
users".

Jack Girling, chairman of the Campaign to Legalise cannabis International
Association, will place a hand made wreath of hazel and willow on the
memorial near city hall tomorrow at noon.

But war veterans today branded the plans, scheduled for the eve of their own
poppy laying ceremony to mark the 54th anniversary of D day, in "bad taste".

Jack Woods, 74, secretary of the Norwich and district Normandy veterans
association, said "The business of drugs has got nothing to do with what
happened during the war, I don't see the link"

"They think if they do this it will create a bit of a stir and help their
cause, I think its in bad taste and I imagine the other war veterans
language may be a bit stronger"

Mr Girling, chairman of the CLCIA said the ceremony is "in memory of those
who fought against tyranny and repression and in sympathy with those victims
of the prolonged war on drugs"

"We want to see an end to the persecution of drug users and to bring an end
to drug laws" said the 54 year old, of Peacock Road.

"Personal choice is the issue at question and its not just cannabis but
ecstasy and opiates as well. We would look to see cannabis legalised as the
first step."

But Norwich City Council spokeswoman Nikki Rotsos said: "The council think
this is very inappropriate, its a war memorial and this is not what it is
meant to commemorate."

"We would ask them to think carefully before they do this"

The Norwich based group, which has 532 members, has joined more than 100
organisations to form the global coalition for alternatives to the drug war.

Similar events are being held in cities across the world.

Checked-by: "R. Lake"