CONCERNED residents are taking matters into their own hands after a spate of open drug taking close to their homes.

People living in the Baker's Bottom area, near Kemp Town, have called a public meeting to discuss the issues currently affecting their community.

Meeting organiser Rob Parker, 52, of Rochester Street said: “This is a nice area.

“This is a really great and quite special neighbourhood with a good sense of community.

“We are not here to judge or point fingers, we just want to discuss practical solutions to the current problems.”

Mr Parker told The Argus there had been many incidents of open drug taking reported on the Baker's Bottom Facebook page.

He said: “I’ve seen people arguing, clearly under the influence of drugs, then one of them just wandered out onto a busy road right into the traffic.

“I’ve also seen people harassing residents at bus stops, asking to use their mobile phones so they can call their dealers.

“I just thought it would be a good idea to get everyone together to talk in person, rather than online.

“I want the meeting to be very inclusive so that everyone can have their say, regardless of their own personal relationship with drugs.”

Mr Parker has organised the meeting to “explore practical measures” to make the area safer for residents.

He said on social media: “This will not be a political discussion on the use of drugs in society, or any kind of judgement on individuals.

“The focus of the meeting is intended to be primarily around safety for all members of the community.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, has recently canvassed neighbours about the alleyway that runs behind Rochester Street.

He said: “My survey was unofficial, just to get a feel for the neighbourhood so that, when it comes to the meeting, we know exactly what we want.

“Families that back onto that pathway shouldn’t have to deal with used needles and paraphernalia at their back door.

“So far, the vast majority who back onto the alley would like to see the it gated gated with residents’ access only.”

Last month, The Argus reported that drug users had regularly been seen injecting in the wooded area behind Baker’s Bottom, where residents take their dogs and parents walk their children to school.

The Baker’s Bottom community meeting takes place at 7pm tonight at the Round Georges pub on Sutherland Road.

Brighton Kemptown MP, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, is expected to be in attendance, along with local councillors and representatives from Sussex Police and the council’s community safety team.