Concern over increasing drug and alcohol abuse in Thurso
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A HIGHLAND councillor has voiced concerns at what residents say is a rise in drug and alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour in the High Ormlie and Springpark areas of Thurso.
Alarmed residents have told of drug-dealing and drug use in the area over the past few weeks. They say they are frequently bothered by people under the influence of drugs or alcohol into the early hours of the morning.
Councillor Karl Rosie said that over the past few weeks he had been contacted by a large number of residents.
“The message from them has been clear – ‘enough is enough’,” he said. “I have therefore already met with residents in High Ormlie to discuss these issues which are blighting their community.
“People are voicing real concern about personal safety as well as the impact on the many young children growing up locally. This is simply unacceptable.”
One man who did not wish to be named lives near the Springpark area and has already discussed the “very serious and worsening” issue with Mr Rosie.
“There are a number of very suspicious characters lurking about who are new to the area,” the man said. He went on to say that one house was recently burgled and that residents in Oldfield Court, mainly elderly and disabled people, have been advised by the council to “keep their doors locked at all times”.
Another man in Springpark – who also wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal – said there had been a marked increase in anti-social behaviour and he felt unsafe living in the area now.
“There was a party going on all night till about 7.30am recently. It’s getting really bad in the last while,” he said yesterday.
The Courier recently covered a story about tablets found scattered around a play park in the Pennyland area. The 30-40 tablets, believed to be diazepam, were seized and destroyed by police.
An unnamed Thurso resident recently posted a photograph of a used needle that he discovered in one of the town’s toilets and suspects was discarded by a drug addict. “It’s a total disgrace,” he said. “Imagine a kid pricked themselves with that.”
Mr Rosie said that a further community meeting is being arranged with Police Scotland, Highland Council’s housing department and NHS officials, with the aim of offering advice and reassurance and to help address the issues raised.
“While the immediate priority is to tackle the drug-related anti-social behaviour, residents also recognised the value of appropriate treatment and recovery programmes in supporting people afflicted by what are recognised as highly addictive drugs and help them return to living a normal life,” he said.
Another local councillor has raised similar concerns. Councillor Matthew Reiss said that on the whole “Thurso is a safe place to live in” but he had received information and been liaising with police about concerns over increased use of certain types of drugs.
Mr Reiss stressed that he did not believe the issue was widespread or out of control and the town was still an “extremely safe place” to walk around in.
Mr Rosie has now called for a co-ordinated multi-agency approach, saying it is essential that communities do not feel isolated in facing such challenges.
He encouraged anyone with information to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, adding that calls can be made anonymously.
