‘BLATANT drug dealing and unlawfulness’ is making parts of Charford a ‘hive of criminal activity’ says a local councillor who is pleading with the relevant authorities to do something about the situation.

District councillor Michael Thompson says every single resident who visited him during a two-hour surgery last weekend brought up the issue of drug dealing in the area.

Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, Bromsgrove District Council and West Mercia Police have pledged to look into the issues raised.

Cllr Thompson said: “On Sunday I hosted a councillors' surgery. The queues were significant. If you were there, you would have felt the acute dissatisfaction of those living round these problems.

“I have asked BDHT to consider the regeneration of derelict land, which I believe is a hive of unlawful activity.

“It was referred to a senior management meeting at BDHT that I have heard nothing about.

“My friend and colleague, Cllr Kyle Daisley, has offered funds for CCTV, but his offer has fallen on deaf ears.

“As councillors, what else can we do? The people of Charford and I have come to a point where words need replacing with action.”

As a first step, Cllr Thompson is requesting CCTV be installed at the garage site on the alleyway that links Austin Road and Collis Close.

Kevin Dicks, Chief Executive of Bromsgrove District Council, said: “Community safety cuts across many people, different services and agencies and so a partnership approach is essential to develop an effective response to community concerns.

“CCTV is a part of the overall package and that’s being looked at, including the statutory and legal requirements regarding cameras, as well as the range of design considerations.

“By working together all partners can play their part in reducing criminal activity, and I want to stress how important it is to continue to work in partnership to address these issues.”

Inspector Lee Page added: “Drugs devastate communities and tackling organised supply is one of the key priorities for police across North Worcestershire.

“While the issue of street level dealing is not exclusive to any particular area of Bromsgrove, we do appreciate the concerns raised by local councillors on behalf of the community and have discussed these at length with them.

“We enjoy a positive relationship with the residents of Charford and engage regularly via numerous channels including social media and face-to-face street surgeries.

“I want to reassure the community that while an immediate police response is not always possible, neighbourhood officers are on patrol in the area day in, day out – and every report we receive is acted upon.

“Bromsgrove is a safe place to live, work and visit. The town benefits from a very strong network of organisations working together to provide long term solutions to problems.

Graeme Anderson, director of housing and communities at bdht, commented: “bdht is totally committed to resolving any drug-related issues and is an active participant in official partnership groups, including Safer Bromsgrove and the Serious & Organised Crime Focus Group.

“We want to ensure the safety of tenants and residents across Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas which is why we work incredibly closely with both West Mercia Police and Bromsgrove District Council to address all drug related issues.

“We have previously taken action where concerns have been raised and we continue to take advice and will take any measures where required.”