CAMPAIGNERS CALL FOR BLITZ ON DRUG HAVEN

Campainers fighting to close a railway footbridge they blame for a
crimewave reacted angrily to Camden Council's solution to make
"landscaping improvements".

Residents and traders say the bridge over the north London line that
joins the Elm Village and Maiden Lane estates in Camley Street, King's
Cross, is a haven for drug dealers and a magnet for criminals.

They also say that criminals responsible for a wave of muggings,
abuse, burglary and theft in the area use the bridge as an easy escape
route from police.

Members of Camden's Executive Environment sub-group agreed on Tuesday
to solve the problem with an estimated ?5,000 package to install
mirrors, improve lighting, and remove scrub planting on either side of
the bridge to make activity on the bridge more visibile.

The council will also investigate placing CCTV cameras on the bridge
and produce a feasibility study on gating the bridge at night.

But campaigners, who have collected a 700-strong petition calling for
the bridge to be closed except for peak commuter times, branded the
solution "half-hearted".

As councillors considered the proposals, Edward Lee, chairman of the
Elm Village Tenants and Residents' Association stormed out of the
meeting because he felt councillors were not seriously considering
closure.

He banged his hands on the desk and started pointing at chairman John
Thane.

"We are talking about our community. You never listen to what we say.
Our estate is riddled with drug dealers," he shouted, before leaving.

Tim Hadley, chairman and director of the Elm Village management
company - which was set up by residents to look after the estate -
slammed the decision.

He said: "I would say that it is a bit of half-hearted.

"We have a report from a senior surveyor at Network Rail which manages
the railway line, saying the bridge is a disaster waiting to happen.

"They are concerned that there may be sabotage of the rail lines and
that it serves as a refuge for hard-drug dealers and users.

"The police have also asked for it to be closed and the only person
who I can find against it is Gerry Harrison."

Mr Harrison, ward councillor for Cantelowes, has objected to the
closure of the bridge, claiming that it will compromise access for his
constituents in Maiden Lane.

He said: "Closure would be contrary to council policies of access and
permeability and I believe could actually compromise community safety,
by forming two no-go areas around the closed entrances on either side
of the bridge," he said.