Lambeth is to receive £1.2million from Government funds which will be distributed between police and existing crime reduction programmes to help fight crime and drug abuse.

Police will get £592,508 to spend on crime prevention work such as targeted police operations, youth diversionary schemes or public security advice campaigns.

In addition, £608,881 will be allocated through programmes such as Communities Against Drugs to aid groups that tackle crime and drugs.

The cash will fund a wide range of crime reduction and drug prevention activities such as police operations to reduce gun crime and disrupt drugs markets, CCTV cameras, warden schemes and strengthening the co-ordination of local partnerships.

Streatham MP Keith Hill said: "These substantial extra funds will enable Lambeth agencies on the front line to boost the work they do to tackle crime and drug misuse. The best place for drug-using offenders is in treatment and out of trouble."

Lambeth is also set to benefit from improved access to services as part of a £46.2million package of measures across the 30 areas in England and Wales most affected by drug related crime.

Funded measures, which will be available according to demand, will be initiatives to target persistent drug users before they commit crime, drug testing facilities in custody suites, 50 per cent increase in availability of drug treatment and a better aftercare service for those leaving prison.

January 31, 2003 11:32