FRUSTRATED residents are calling for a change in the laws around safe spaces for drug users to inject.

The subject of so-called shooting galleries was discussed during the Baker’s Bottom community meeting at the Round Georges pub in Kemp Town, Brighton, on Monday night.

Neighbours gathered to discuss the rise of open drug use and antisocial behaviour in their streets, which back ont o the Craven Vale woods area.

Meeting organiser Rob Parker, who lives in Rochester Street, said: “It was certainly a lively and a very well attended meeting.

“It exceeded my expectations in terms of numbers and strength of feeling.

“It was great all the key figures who said they would come to hear our concerns, attended.”

Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, city councillor Daniel Chapman and representatives from the police were there.

Residents discussed the issue of drug abuse and key spots for drug dealing were identified, namely Sutherland Road and Evelyn Terrace.

People at the meeting were urged to report any drug dealing or crime to the police on 999, or to Crimestoppers, anonymously if they preferred.

Some residents admitted feeling too scared to report drug dealing.

Mr Parker said: “The good news is there has already been some improvement in the area.

“Police are doing their best and offering support to those who engage with them.”

“There was a lively debate about what to do on the wider issue of drugs in Brighton, and many felt that the way forward would be to have designated shooting galleries for users to keep it off the streets.”

Mr Russell-Moyle told The Argus: “That sort of thing is not legal anywhere in Britain at the moment.

“If this is what the residents want, they must get a petition together supporting better prevention services and safe spaces for people to use drugs away from the public.

“I can then take that petition to Parliament, read it out and hand it to the minister.”

Cllr Chapman said: “It was a well attended and positive meeting. Residents are now clear on what they can and can’t do when they find drugs paraphernalia or see drug use. It was good to have all the local services there, discussing how best we can work together on this.”