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Drug den 'threat to safety'

from Cathy (cathyvpreece@aol.com)

Drug den 'threat to safety'

Oct 29 2004

South London Press

A FILTHY subway used as a drug den could threaten passenger safety at a landmark new transport interchange, a councillor has warned. The subway, at Vauxhall Cross, is shut to the public but its sloping entrance ramp has become a night-time haunt for drug addicts and vagrants.

The underground ramp, next to the bus station, is piled high with used syringes and litter. Lambeth's executive member for community safety, regeneration and transport, Councillor Andrew Sawdon, said: "This is a complete no man's land and one of the worst scenes of environmental degradation in central London.

"Plus, when this bus station opens, there will be public here - ordinary people using night buses. This will be a threat to their safety."

Cllr Sawdon said it was not Lambeth's responsibility and called on Ken Livingstone to take action. The tunnel is owned by London Underground.

Cllr Sawdon said: "I think the Mayor of London should step in and sort this out personally.

"After all this is supposed to be one of his flag-ship projects - it's not looking like much of a flagship project at the moment."

A Transport for London (TfL) spokeswoman said: "We are cleaning it up. We have asked Lambeth to get its sharp implements team to do the work, then we will clear away the rubbish."

She said TfL would seal the ramp off with a gate and meshing. The Vauxhall Cross interchange would open before Christmas, she added.

(posted 7087 days ago)

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