Dear All,

Wow! Just Wow!

First of all a huge thank you for signing and sharing. Last count was 900. 

That is amazing in just a few days. Please keep sharing the petition with your friends and neighbours - we are getting noticed. 

We are generating some interest from the media.

I am talking to a couple of podcasters who would be interested in hearing your stories about how your Councils/Housing Associations have dealt with these drug problems - Whether they have solved your problems, answered your complaints, delayed or just ignored you. How you feel about the way you’ve been treated and the effects on your life. 

I have also been messaged by a journalist from BBC South East and she’s very interested in hearing your stories about drug problems on your Council Managed Estates/Housing Association Blocks and how they’ve been handled.

I am aware that you might not want to be quoted so, to begin with if you want, you can email me on asbmaddy@gmail.com and I’ll pass your stories on.

Any communication will be treated in the strictest confidence and I’ll black out your name etc before I forward anything to the reporters. I have been assured that any contributions used could be made anonymous. 

Finally, some information. 

I have just received this from the Home Office with reference to Section 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. 

“The Home Office does not provide legal advice on individual cases and interpretation of legislation is a matter for the courts. However, we can set out the position in general terms.

Section 8 of the 1971 Act creates an offence applicable to the occupier or a person concerned in the management of the premises who permits certain activities to take place. These include the production or supply of a controlled drug (if this production or supply is in contravention of section 4(1) of the 1971 Act), the preparation of opium for smoking, or the smoking of cannabis, cannabis resin or prepared opium. The 1971 Act does NOT provide that councils or council tenants are exempt from”

That, I think, makes it pretty clear that Councils do have a legal responsibility to tackle drugs on our Estates. If they are turning a blind eye they are breaking the law. 

Please feel free to send that information to your local Councillors and MP and ask them to hold your Council/Housing Association to account.

I’m happy to send you a copy of the original Home Office letter if you want. Just email me on asbmaddy@gmail.com

Thanks again for your support, keep well and good luck.

Maddy Howard