In recent days I have been contacted by a number of local residents regarding the Ilkeston Winter Shelter, and more specifically concerns about substance abuse in our town.
It is completely unacceptable that the day to day lives of residents who live and work in and around Nottingham Road are being disrupted by people taking drugs and I want to reassure residents that I am making every effort to address this issue.
I have personally spoken to both Derbyshire Police and representatives from the Winter Shelter, and have requested an increased visible Police presence in the area around St. John’s Church and Kensington Junior School, especially during the mornings when the shelter closes.
In addition, I was able to raise the issue of synthetic drug abuse and the problems this is causing in towns such as ours during Questions to the Leader of the House of Commons. A copy of my question and the Leader of the House’s response can be read here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2019-02-14/debates/F3F9CC25-D033-4FCB-8D3B-2D6BA201D411/BusinessOfTheHouse#contribution-A976DB6D-7AE7-46F6-85BC-4AD692E5F243
I will continue to monitor the situation closely and liaise with the Police and Shelter Volunteers to ensure that our community is kept safe.