CANNABIS COUNCILLOR JOINS CAFE PARTY

A political leader joined traders and customers to mark the first
anniversary of an alleged cannabis cafe in Worthing.

Michael Russell, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Gosport Borough
Council, praised staff at Buddy's, in Brougham Road, and criticised
political figures in the town for not coming to the party and open day.

He said: "If you look at what is going on today, it is fairly clear there
are going to be cannabis cafes nationwide.

"I just want to make sure that when coffee shops open in Gosport we have
the information and knowledge and are able to provide cannabis users with
the appropriate safeguards for themselves and for residents." Almost every
civic dignitary in Worthing, including MPs and councillors, was sent an
invitation on Monday to yesterday's celebrations but none turned up. Coun
Russell, who describes himself as an occasional consumer of cannabis in the
form of hash cakes and biscuits, said: "I think this is a missed opportunity.

"If you are a local politician representing local people, surely the onus
is on you to find out what is happening in the community." Sheila Player
the leader of Lib Dem-controlled Worthing Borough Council, said: "I was
invited but my diary was already full."

A 1,000-signature petition from customers supporting the cafes was on show,
as well as a 100-name petition by nearby residents and shop owners. Shirley
Knapton of the next-door cafe Ali's Pantry, said: "When I first came here
this place looked like a hovel but they have really cleaned it up. "They
have changed it for the good and they have helped here. They are good
people. The people who would shut them down have never met them." A number
of people have been charged with drug offences in relation to the Worthing
cafes.