Safety concerns after alleged drug dealing near London Road Cemetery

Anti-social behaviour spotted near a cemetery has sparked conversation about safety in Thatcham at night.

The alleged incident of drug dealing on London Road was reported to police and raised with Thatcham Town Council on December 10.

A report was made by a concerned resident who then requested that lighting is installed near the cemetery, where the alleged incident took place.

He also raised concerns over the gates at the entrance being left open – and asks that they be closed "after a certain time at night".

A recreation and amenities temporary working party meeting, held on December 20, found the council has had “one or two enquiries recently where drug taking has taken place in off roads”.

A discussion took place on how the council may go about taking initial action in creating a safer space in this area – with it being an issue that may not present an "immediate answer".

The council services manager informed the councillors that he has been “in touch directly with the resident who reported the incident”.

He said: “I picked this one up quickly.

“They have got a crime reference number and have spoken to the police.

“I have been in touch with the police. I think the police are progressing to wrap this up, there won’t be any need to start installing additional gates and lighting and that sort of stuff.”

He said that it was best, on this particular occasion to re-address the issue at the next meeting as the police are “very much on top of it”.

Councillor Simon Pike (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) said that it is “probably not really appropriate to get an immediate answer” as there was the issue of what responsibilities reside with whom.

He called the issue “multidimensional" and said "it depends where it is located, it depends on who has responsibility, the cemetery is not the responsibility of the council but others are and others are dual".

The council concluded that an update will be given at a later date.