THE first in a series of public events to provide people with an opportunity to outline their concerns about drugs issues was held in Drumaness last week.
The meetings — organised by Slieve Croob councillor Cathy Mason — are part of a concerted community initiative to combat increased drug use in the area.
Billed as ‘protecting our community from drugs’, last week’s meeting in St Colman’s GAC was well attended and has been hailed a success.
Joining Cllr Mason and South Down MP Chris Hazzard were PSNI officers and Theresa Burke from the so-called ‘Save the Next One’ campaign.
The Slieve Croob councillor was encouraged by the response and confirmed that a second meeting will take place next Thursday, February 13 at 7pm in Drumaness GAC.
“I was pleased with the community’s response last week, with people turning up to reject the presence of harmful substances in the area,” said Cllr Mason, confirming that similar events are planned as part of a bid to target drugs issue in the Drumaness area.
“This is a very positive step toward developing a credible community strategy against drugs and antisocial behaviour in the Drumaness area,” said Cllr Mason.
“Theresa Burke delivered a very powerful and shocking presentation outlining the realities of drug-use and the challenges our young people are facing today in that regard.”
The Slieve Croob politician thanked the Policing Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) for its help in delivering what she described as this “vital event” in the fight against drugs and anti-social behaviour.
“Residents here have been all too familiar with the drugs crisis for far too long. But, after much careful planning, we are beginning to see some of the strategies developed during that time actioned,” continued Cllr Mason, thanking local people for their “overwhelming response”.
She added: “It was great to see people who have bought into proposals put forward by groups like the PCSP, the Save the Next One campaign and Sinn Féin councillors turn out in great numbers to support and contribute their own ideas to the strategy.
“Last week’s event was hopefully the first of many such forums with the next being held on February 13 at 7pm at Drumaness GAC where we hope to have another strong showing of people ready and willing to join the campaign to rid the village of drugs.”