Ken Maddock, local Conservative candidate for the job of Police and Crime Commissioner, has vowed to crackdown on drug crime during a visit to Highbridge this week.
He met with John Woodman, Highbridge’s County Councillor, pictured, to learn about the issues with drugs in the town and how they are affecting local residents.
The pair visited the town’s Market Street where the archway between the Community Hall and the Alpha House flats has allegedly been used by dealers to sell drugs.
Cllr Woodman said local residents are frightened to go to the shops as they feel threatened and are worried for their children.
Mr Maddock said: “As the Police and Crime Commissioner I will make our towns, villages and cities safer for people to go about their daily business in peace and safety. I am here to listen and to learn about the issues that are affecting people and to make sure we take action.”
“Many people do not know the extent to which drugs blight our local communities. Drug addicts ultimately turn to crime to fuel their habit, having lost their job, their home, with their attention fully on feeding their habit.”
“I will work with the Police to make sure we tackle this problem head on, we cannot let the drug dealers, who make profits from people’s misery, take over our towns. I am also keen to work with local rehab charities to make sure addicts get the support they need to get off drugs.”
And Cllr Woodman said: “It is not pleasant for local people to have to walk past and witness this type of activity, especially for their children. I am glad that Ken has come to Highbridge to see the problem and I am confident that with Ken as our Police and Crime Commissioner he will take action.”
On November 15th, residents across the Burnham and Highbridge area will have the chance to go to the polls to elect the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset.
This figure will be responsible for overseeing the work of Avon and Somerset Police on behalf of residents. The Commissioner will directly replace Avon and Somerset Police Authority, the group of 17 councillors and independent members of the public that currently oversee Avon and Somerset Police.
The prospective candidates are Bob Ashford (Labour), Pete Levy (Liberal Democrats) and Ken Maddock (Conservative).
