By NATALIE GALLENTI
A SUNSHINE laneway has become the latest haven for drug users and dealers according to one worried resident.
The mother of two, who did not want to be named, told Star the laneway parallel to Graham St was a haunt for illegal activity, particularly drug use.
The resident, who has lived on the street for more than a decade, said she has witnessed people “shooting up” and leaving used syringes strewn across the ground.
She is calling on the laneway to be closed.
“I’m worried about everyone’s safety,” she said.
“People have kicked our fence and thrown objects over our fence.”
She said her and her husband find at least 10 used syringes a day and immediately contact both Brimbank Council and Sunshine Police, who respond to calls promptly.
The couple now to lock up their tap which is often used by drug users.
“I’m feeling intimidated in my own backyard. I feel like saying to them, do I do this in your backyard. But I suppose they don’t care.”
These latest concerns come after almost a year of campaigning by Albion residents to close a laneway which is also a hotspot for similar activity.
The laneway, located behind a primary school and across the road from a kindergarten, remains open.
Brimbank Council general manager of infrastructure and environment Paul Younis said the council has responded promptly to complaints received from members of the community about the Sunshine laneway, investigating and removing syringes.
“Council takes such complaints very seriously and has in the past explored a range of measures to address such issues, working closely with the police,” Mr Younis said.
Brimbank Council general manager of community wellbeing Neil Whiteside said the council
has investigated and implemented a range of strategies to deter users and dealers from public spaces such as proactive and reactive cleansing, compliance, engagement, harm minimisation and youth programs.
Mr Whiteside said the council has also developed partnerships with key stakeholders such as the Victoria Police and ISIS Primary Care and are considering the establishment of a local district safety committees, which, in partnership with police, will review and consider safety audit results and other issues raised by the community.
