Extra police patrols and bush cutting planned to tackle drug use at Peterborough park
A group of councillors in Peterborough have welcomed action to tackle drug-related activity around a city park.
Action has been planned to tackle growing reports on drug-related activity around Gladstone Park, close to the city centre.
Peterborough City Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Safety Zameer Ali has said that he has been working closely with North ward colleagues Cllr Asim Mahmood and Noreen Bi (a councillor prior to this month's elections) on a serious of measures to tackle the problem.
Among the new measures that have been secured are increased police patrols and limited areas of cutting back bushes and trees.
Cllr Ali said: “I welcome the positive action being taken to address the ongoing drug-related activity near the shrub areas around Gladstone Park.
This we have been working on following concerns raised by local residents.
Officers have now confirmed that police patrols in the area will be increased. Joint daytime patrols with support services have been requested and work is underway to identify peak times when this activity takes place.
"A further joint site visit between police and council officers will take place shortly
“In addition, limited vegetation cut-back in two specific areas that have been identified as providing concealment has been approved.
"This approach is intended to stop drug users and drug dealers from using the shrubs as cover, particularly near park areas and schools.
The council’s cleansing team will attend on May 21 to carry out this work and will continue making regular visits to help keep the area safe and clear.
“Thank you to residents who have continued reporting concerns and helping us push for action. As Labour councillors for North Ward, we will continue working with all agencies to improve safety for everyone using and living near Gladstone Park.”