WHEN will councillors and residents understand that drug treatment centres, far from being a magnet for crime, actually help to drive down crime figures?

The evidence is clear from centres like the one on Brighton Terrace in Brixton, also opposed bitterly by a NIMBY group delaying its opening by up to two years.

Residents feel safer, crimes like burglaries reduce significantly and the drug users get the treatment they so desperately need.

Sadly the evidence is also clear where there is a lack of such facilities. I call upon the High Street councillors to stop sitting on the fence, supporting a drugs centre in principle but…just not here.

A suitable venue had been found and could now be providing the much needed service.

The building in Coppermill Lane remains empty.

Face down the NIMBY brigade and show some true leadership.

The benefits to the wider community of such political courage would be substantial.

Brendan Nash Farnborough Avenue, Walthamstow.