The Castlehaven Open Space in Camden Town

• CASTLEHAVEN Open Space is not the only park in Camden which is blighted by open drug dealing and drug taking, (Worst ever! Police told of ‘horrendous’ summer of crime at Camden Town park, September 13).

Saint Giles churchyard, close to Centrepoint, is suffering the same and I am sure the same is true elsewhere. Every day we are confronted by dealing, drug-taking, its detritus and the aggressive behaviour which goes along with it.

The problem has got significantly worse not just over the summer but over the past three years. It is clear there is no simple solution. We need to remember that these people are themselves often victims, even if this is no excuse for what they are doing.

Many of those who we see in this situation get the money to fund their drug-taking by begging. This is why the issue is concentrated in the busy areas such as the West End and Camden Town.

One approach is to educate the public that those begging don’t need the money for food or a bed. The money will go straight to a dealer for their next fix. If we can reduce the money they receive, and so reduce the ease with which they get their fix, perhaps they will decide to get help instead.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED