EVIDENCE that drug use, vandalism and alcohol abuse are taking place at a Haslemere green has horrified town councillors.
After a contractor employed by the town council to maintain Lion Green reported the problems to town clerk Mike OÕNeil, members of Haslemere Town CouncilÕs amenities sub-committee met to discuss the problems.
Mr OÕNeil told The Herald: ÒTin foil, burnt out cans and other paraphernalia which suggests drug use were found at the green by the contractor.Ó
He added: ÒWe cannot tell which types of drugs may be being used, but the police have been informed and are making investigations.Ó
At the meeting on Thursday members heard from Mr OÕNeil that there had been ÒseveralÓ recent incidents at the green attended by a police officer.
Among the problems is an increase in the amount of broken glass which has become embedded in the grass and poses a significant risk to safety.
Mr OÕNeil also told councillors of the potential effects the problems could have on the town council budget.
ÒThe maintenance contractor currently works five mornings per week at the green, clearing up and making sure it is a safe place for children to play, but his level of work is increasing because of the problems, and this will increase our budget by up to £500,Ó Mr OÕNeil said.
Ted Orchard said he was concerned the maintenance costs could Òescalate without controlÓ. But he agreed that work was necessary to make sure children were able to play safely on the green.
Other measures to make the green a safer place for residents and visitors were suggested by Mark Lelliott. He said an increase in police presence could help matters, and he added that officers could talk to the people responsible for the damage and try to make them feel more pride and responsibility towards their community.
The sub-committee agreed that HaslemereÕs beat officer, PC Ralph Swindell, should be asked to make extra visits to the green, and that an increase in the maintenance budget of up to £500 should be recommended.