The Live Wire



Press Release

DRUG DEALERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

7 December 2006

Street lighting is being improved in Camden High Street to help reduce crime and the fear of crime.

The new brighter lights aim to prevent drug dealing on the high street - a big concern to residents and businesses in Camden Town - along with other criminal activity.

In a joint investment, Camden Council and Camden Town Unlimited (CTU) have dished out about £4,000 on upgrading streetlights between the tube station and Camden Lock.

The current 150-watt light bulbs will be replaced with a brighter 250-watt version making the street 60 per cent brighter.

Camden Council is committed to working together to treat drug users and enforce the law against those who sell drugs such as providing the Drug Intervention Programme and the Prolific and Priority Offenders initiative.

Work is currently taking place to replace the lights before Christmas.

Cllr Ben Rawlings, Camden Council's Executive Member for Community Safety, said:

"We are committed to tackling crime and the fear of crime in Camden. It is well known that improving lighting can also have a positive affect in reducing crime levels. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Camden Town Unlimited on this project.

"Successfully tackling the problems in Camden Town needs a variety of approaches. We know we need more police and proper enforcement, but we also need to design out crime and make the area difficult or unappealing for criminal activity. The new improved lights will help do this, and will also make the area look and feel safer to residents, businesses and visitors."

Kimberly Paumier, the Chief Executive of CTU, said:

"Our top priority is tackling the drug dealers operating on Camden High Street. Improving the quality of the lighting in the town centre will inhibit their ability to do business and will make it easier to identify and prosecute drug dealers, as well as create a safer and more pleasant surrounding for businesses and residents after dark."



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Camden Council

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