Police concerns over drug dealing at Hungerford skate park

CCTV could be installed to tackle the problem

HUNGERFORD skate park could be monitored by CCTV in future following news that drugs are being taken and sold there.

Police fear that dealers from London are increasingly targeting the town, along with Newbury, after successful operations drove them from Reading and other major Berkshire towns.

Used hypodermic needles have also been found in the public toilets near the library.

At a full meeting of Hungerford Town Council on Monday night, Pc James Parfitt said anti-social behaviour, including littering, criminal damage and drug taking, had increased in recent weeks at the Bulpit Lane skate park.

He added: “It’s mostly cannabis smoking. When we approach the parents some of them say ‘It’s only cannabis’ – but it’s illegal for a reason. We know that’s where it all starts.”

Previously, the town council’s recreation and amenities committee heard the park might even have to be closed.

But on Monday night, Carolann Farrell suggested installing CCTV cameras at the skate park and Pc Parfitt agreed that would be “ideal”.

He said he would explore the possibility of Thames Valley Police sharing the cost with the council.

Rob Brookman pointed out: “We’ve also had problems recently with needles being found in the public toilets near the library.”

Town clerk Claire Barnes confirmed “a handful of incidents” had been reported by cleaners, mainly in the toilet for the disabled.

Last year Sgt Paul Morgan told the town council that the designer drug mephedrone, or M-Cat, was becoming a major issue among some Hungerford youngsters.

Pc Parfitt said after Monday night’s meeting that, in his experience, the most common drug currently being taken at the skate park was cannabis.

He added: “Heroin tends to be taken behind closed doors.”

The officer said he had been engaging local youngsters by playing football and that meanwhile patrols had been stepped up.

The council agreed to investigate the practicality of having CCTV installed, preferably in a joint initiative with the police.