'DRUG DEALER' MORLEY PHONE BOXES MAY BE REMOVED

Phone boxes which have become a magnet for drug dealers could be
removed from the streets of Morley. Residents on the Denshaw estate
and those living near another public payphone in Church Street are
being asked their views on whether the boxes should be dismantled.

Local councillor Robert Finnigan said: "I have received a large number
of complaints from local residents that both payphones are being used
to promote antisocial behaviour including drug dealing.

"I have made early inquiries to BT about their removal but I want to
hear from residents before I take any further action on having them
removed."

Coun Finnigan said most payphones did not make a profit, but there has
to be a formal public consultation before they can be removed.

He added: "Most people nowadays own a mobile phone and the need for a
payphone is substantially reduced.

"If these payphones are a focus for antisocial behaviour and the
public supports their removal then I will make a formal request to
have them taken out."

Police in Morley have carried out a series of operations in the area
after receiving complaints about drug dealing linked to the phoneboxes.

Inspector Joanne Morgan, of the Morley Neighbourhood Policing Team,
said: "We always take such reports seriously and have carried out
several operations and observations in the local area recently.

These led to a number of people being stopped and searched, but no
drugs were recovered.

"Anyone with information about drug dealing within our communities is
asked to contact the Morley NPT directly on 0113 238 2035, or
Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on 0800 555 111."

Residents can give their views on whether the boxes ought to be
removed by writing to Coun Finnigan at Morley Town Hall, by emailing
him at robert.finnigan @leeds.gov.uk or by phoning the Morley Borough
Independents office on 0113 247 7538.