News Date: Tuesday 26th February 2008
Tim gets Minister to intervene in Cannabis Café stalemate
East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton has persuaded the Home Office to intervene in the long run stalemate between local residents and the police and the owners of the Cannabis Café in Lancing.
Tim was given the undertaking by the Under Secretary of State at the Home Office, Vernon Coaker MP, when he challenged the Government on why the caf? remained open and trading despite the efforts of the police and numerous complaints from local residents.
In response to Tim at Home Office Question Time in the House of Commons Mr Coaker commented:
"I have not heard of anything quite as bad as that with respect to cannabis cafés. We need to ensure that we nip the situation in the bud, so that people see the serious consequences of such practice, and so that it does not spread anywhere else in the country."
Mr Coaker also promised to meet Tim to discuss what further action should be taken to ensure that the heavily fortified café cannot continue to trade as a legitimate business when it acts as a magnet for low life and hard drug users and could well become a money-spinner for the local criminal fraternity.
Tim commented:
"After Home Office Questions in Parliament yesterday, the Minister and I met to discuss what actions his Department will be able to take to tackle the problems the existence of this cannabis caf? raises.
"I wrote to the Home Secretary on this matter last week and I am delighted that they are taking the concerns of my constituents seriously. The Minister has promised to look into the situation and will contact my office shortly to discuss what our next steps should be in our campaign against the owners of the caf? who seem to think they are above the law of our country."
Note to Editor:
1) The full transcript of Home Office Questions can be viewed by clicking here.
2) The Cannabis Café on Freshbrook Road in Lancing has been raided by the local Police on five occasions. On the last occasion, which was earlier this month, it took the Police fifteen minutes to gain entry to the property which is heavily fortified.
