A FORMERLY ‘quiet and safe area’ near Barnsley town centre which is being overrun by brazen drug dealing will receive more police work to restore its dwindling image - after a councillor complained that residents are living in fear.
Issues in Old Town have been made a priority for the Barnsley North Neighbourhood Policing Team after residents reported ‘open drug use’ taking place.
The Chronicle can reveal that warrants have recently been carried out to disrupt drug-related activity, which has seen the Old Town ward’s streets plagued by users and dealers.
Burton Bank, Wilthorpe Park, West Road and Stocks Lane have all been identified as hotspots.
Closure orders have been granted for several properties to stop known boltholes being frequented by criminals.
A police spokesperson said: “This is an area of Barnsley that was once a quiet and safe space for the residents but is now overrun by drug use and drug supply.
“This in turn has brought in crime, antisocial behaviour, intimidation and fear.
“Residents are dealing with open drug use, constant disturbances, property damage and the loss of peace and safety they once had.
“A significant number of warrants have been executed in the area to disrupt drug activities.
“Vehicles have been seized and there’s been an increase in stop and searches, all tailored to have impact in this area.
“Working in partnership key problematic addresses have been given significant focus and legislation is being used to curtail drug activities in these areas.
“This is sustained focus and we value the support of the community with these issues.
“Housing teams have also enforced several evictions and closure orders on properties that are continued problematic addresses.”
Class A drugs such as cocaine and heroin with a value of £60,000 have been removed from the streets recently, as well as thousands in cash seized by officers who’ve split up 12 identified drug lines.
Thirteen warrants have also been executed, with seven people being charged so far.
However, Councillor Clive Pickering, who represents the Old Town ward, said the police’s work needs to increase due to the severity of the issue.
“It’s still incredibly bad and I don’t think enough has been done - the police’s results sound good but in reality those who live locally know that that’s not the case,” he told the Chronicle.
“People are stressed out with this - it’s one of the nicest parts of Barnsley and yet it’s been taken over by known drug dealers and users.
“I’ve been personally impacted by this, so I know exactly why residents are annoyed.”
Detective Sergeant Becky Robinson added: “We have been working round the clock to obtain evidence, gather intelligence and sift through information submitted by local communities.
“Those who are involved in the supply of drugs think they are untouchable and above the law.
“They have no regard for the harm they cause to the local areas where our families live and work.
“Our investigation is very much still ongoing and we will ensure those who choose to be involved in the supply of drugs face the consequences of their actions and lose the proceeds of their criminality.”
