Sutton residents' "shock" at finding drug users with needles hanging from arms in flat entrance hall

According to Councillor David Hennigan residents in the complex near the town centre asked for help after their communal entrance became a “hotspot” for drug users and dealers of crack cocaine and other class A drugs.

Councillor Hennigan said: "The residents were shocked and frightened, everyday people, who told me they had seen drug users on the floor in the foyer of the flats, comatose with drug paraphernalia lying about.

"There is a communal secure entrance but someone must have let them in and they stayed there, sat on the floor probably keeping warm. It’s a hotspot for drugs."

Cllr Hennigan called police on ‘101’ on Monday and also reported alleged drug dealing from the property.

He said he was “frustrated” by ‘the laissez-faire’ attitude of 101 call operators for Nottinghamshire Police.

The councillor, who campaigns for extra policing resources, said residents had been adversely affected by massive policing cuts by the Government and the closure of the old Sutton Police Station.

“Crack cocaine ruins lives and the police tell us they are desperate to take action. I was surprised at the lack of concern or urgency from the call handler. Their laissez-faire attitude belies the public announcements from Nottinghamshire Police about getting to grips with serious drug issues.

“I was told that the police would ‘get round to calling’ if they were in the area. I’ve heard nothing.

“The way the call was handled didn’t exactly inspire confidence that drug dealing and it’s affect on our communities is a priority.

“Our existing officers are great but cuts have hammered their ability to fight crime.”

Ashfield’s Inspector Craig Hall led his “depleted team manfully” working with the Council’s Community Protection Team and the wider community, Cllr Hennigan added.

“Our new Police Inspector Mark Dickson has made an excellent start but his job is made much harder because of a lack of policing resources. Residents in Sutton have no front desk, so it’s critical they have confidence in 101.”

Read the police response here.

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