CALL FOR ACTION ON DRUG HAVEN

A SCENIC garden is still being used as a drugs den - despite community
leaders vowing to transform the area over six years ago.

Around 80 hypodermic needles have been recovered from Chapelhay
Gardens in Weymouth in the past week.

Residents say they are now fighting a losing battle to keep the
gardens free of drunks and drug addicts.

Maurice West, of nearby Trinity Terrace, said: "There's a lack of
interest from people who should be involved and it's becoming
demoralising.

"It's frightening - I've found these needles in abundance just by
walking around."

The overgrown gardens - bordering family homes and overlooking
Weymouth harbour - also attract litter and graffiti.

Mr West added: "Young families do not allow their children down there.
We need the council to make it safer."

Kathy Holmes, the area's police community support officer, had to call
a police car to the gardens so the haul of needles could be safely
disposed of.

She said: "The place has been left to go to rack and
ruin.

"There are no bins and people have nowhere to throw away their
rubbish."

But a project set up to transform the gardens is yet to get off the
ground.

It is estimated it would cost the Friends of Chapelhay Gardens
UKP300,000 to turn the gardens' fortunes around.

Youth work co-ordinator Martin Hedley said: "The gardens used to get a
regular clean-up but there's nothing anymore. There could be a
workshop here with community crafts held inside and money could be
spent on a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) for children.

"There's nothing for young people to do around here."

Campaigners launched a crackdown on Chapelhay Gardens in 2001 after 30
used needles were found in two days.

But trees and bushes which were cut back have now re-grown and require
urgent attention, Ms Holmes said.

She added: "Once the undergrowth is cut down things will be able to be
picked up on CCTV from town.

"We want to promote the gardens as a totally safe space."

A council spokesman said workmen were deployed to clear up stray
needles and litter as soon as they were reported.

She added: "We welcome the formation of the new Friends of Chapelhay
Gardens group and will actively work with them to improve the gardens.

"The council has recently pruned back the trees, at the community's
request, and also assisted the Probation Service payback team to clear
away vegetation.

"By listening to what residents have to say and working with the
Chapelhay Friends group, we can encourage more people to make use of
their local gardens in a responsible manner."

Local organisations and businesses who want to donate to the Friends
of Chapelhay Gardens should contact Kathy Holmes on 01305 226630.