Drug intervention centre proposed above town-centre McDonalds

The ideal place for drug intervention?

A drug intervention centre has been proposed for above McDonald’s in Peckham, south London. The council says the area is a 'drug dealing hot spot' so it's an ideal location.

The idea has been suggested by the Southwark Drug and Alcohol Action team, who identified the building as a suitable location and has already brokered discussions with the restaurant chain, who are fully aware of the plans.

The team is now in the process of canvassing local opinion among residents and traders because the team recognises that communities often feel uncomfortable with the centres. The team claims that such centres can result in a reduction in crime in these areas, and that the Badsworth Road project in Camberwell in fact received support from local businesses.

Despite this the Peckham Town Centre Management Group, who represent businesses in Peckham, have asked their members to respond to fears that the central location will lead to an increase in begging. It has also raised concerns that young people regularly attend McDonalds would come into contact with the centre’s clients.

A spokeswoman for McDonald’s said: "As with some of our High Street Restaurants, McDonald's is looking to rent out the space above our restaurant in Peckham. To this end, discussions over a potential lease agreement are taking place with solicitors working on behalf of Crime Reduction Initiative (CRI). As a modern, progressive and responsible business in Southwark, McDonald's is in a position to offer CRI the opportunity of premises that would support the local community in Peckham."

Read the rest of this item from Southwark News here