A TASK force has been set up by borough councillor Juliet Brunner to tackle an increase in drug problems and anti social behaviour in Matchborough centre.
Coun Brunner (Con, M’boro) said evidence of drug taking had been found behind Costcutter and local environmental services officers had been called in to clean up the paraphenalia.
“It was clear there had been frequent drug taking there and it is also clear that a lot of people are being affected by what is happening,” said Coun Brunner, the leader of the Conservatives group on Redditch borough council.
She added that both nearby Christ Church and the Sue Latham School of Dance – a long term and popular fixture in Matchborough centre – had been hit by anti social behaviour with the latter having youngsters running in and out of the building and interrupting lessons.
“They’ve been climbing onto the roofs and the skylight at the dance school has been smashed and they’ve been swearing at anyone who challenges them,” said Coun Brunner.
She acknowledged that with the nearby all-weather football pitches out of action there had been little for youths but that local police and the council’s leisure services had met to see what sort of programme could be put in instead.
Options include football in the sports hall at RSA Arrow Vale and greater involvement from Redditch Boxing Club, based in the centre.
“The aim is to give them the opportunity to expend their energies and hopefully keep them out of trouble,” said Coun Brunner.
Meanwhile the bushes have been removed to improve line of sight behind Costcutter.
The task force will also involve a crime prevention survey asking locals what can be done to help make premises and the area safer as well giving tips on how people can help themselves.
