MP backs drugs crackdown week

3:45pm Wednesday 21st May 2008

Comments (3)   Have your say »

YORK'S MP visited a local crime reduction project to mark the launch of Drugs Action Week.

Hugh Bayley, MP for City of York, visited the York Crime Reduction Initiative (CRI), in Peckitt Street, which provides support services and treatment programmes to people who have been involved with drug-taking, crime, antisocial behaviour and domestic violence.

Compass Young Adult Services and police officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team were also on hand at a market stall in Parliament Street all day to discuss the issues surrounding Drugs Action Week.

Mr Bayley met team leader John Hoar and service manager Paul Tye as part of the week-long crackdown on drug use, which began yesterday and runs nationally until Saturday.

The week of action aims to increase public confidence in the work being done locally to tackle drugs. Last year 786 drug users from York received treatment.

Mr Bayley said: "Illegal drug use is a nightmare for drug users and their families, and for the rest of us when drug users commit crimes to pay for drugs.

"In February, the Government launched a new ten-year drugs strategy costing almost £1 billion to tackle the problem.

"I want to make sure the money is used effectively to cut the drug use in York."

The CRI is holding an open day on Thursday for anyone who works in the criminal justice system. It is an independent organisation with charity status and is commissioned and funded through local government to deliver drug treatment to people in York.

The organisation helps people move away from substance misuse and works with the probation service and the courts to help reduce drug-related crime, through treatment.

Mr Tye said: "We like to take people who are a drain on the taxpayer's purse and turn them into positive contributors to that purse."

The main aim of the service is to encourage people to develop skills and move into education, training and employment.

By working with clients in a positive way, the CRI aims to reduce the impact that substance abuse has on communities.

There are two components to the drug treatment provided by the CRI in York - a coercive element by way of a court order following conviction for a criminal offence, or voluntary treatment, offering a similar programme but without the sanction of the courts.

The Press told earlier this week how police are urging residents to "grass" on drug users as part of a major crackdown.

The dangers of super-strength "skunk" cannabis will be the focus of police attention as part of Drugs Action Week. Under the banner of "Grass on Skunk", North Yorkshire Police are urging members of the community to "grass" on anyone who they think may be using or dealing the drug.