Newcastle Labour

40% of Newcastle’s residents say that people using or dealing drugs is a problem according to the results of the City Council’s Residents Survey 2009.  And the figure is higher in the city’s most disadvantaged wards.
The figures were obtained by City Councillor Stephen Lambert who is Labour’s spokesman on Community Safety.  In Kenton 51% said that people using or dealing drugs was a problem while in Walker in the east end of the City a staggering 77% regarded it as a problem.  In Byker and Elswick the figure was 63% and 54% in Westgate in Newcastle’s west end.
Councillor Stephen Lambert said “The Survey findings are a cause for concern.  4 out of 10 city residents regard illegal drug use and dealing a problem.  But the figure is even higher in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of the City.  Clearly we need more drug awareness programmes in schools and youth clubs as well as a police-council led crackdown on cannabis farms and crack houses”.
“The Government to its credit has given new powers to the police to close crack houses and get drug dealers off the streets.  Police raids in Fenham, Byker and Cowgate are a step in the right direction and have given reassurance to families and communities.  But we can’t be complacent” he added.
Councillor Lambert claimed that city neighbourhoods wanted tough action on drugs and believed the Liberal Democrat calls for legislation carried little support and would risk a big increase in consumption.