Cash to tackle drugs in city

MP Bob Ainsworth announced the funding on Friday

Coventry is to get £1.4m to help rid the city of drugs.

The money will be used to fund drug treatment programmes.

Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth announced the government funding at a drugs and housing conference in the city held on Friday.

Mr Ainsworth said Coventry was the main focus of a government "crack plan," to help improve treatment services for crack addicts.

Great misery

"Crack is not out of control in our city, but it is a serious problem and it needs attention," he said.

The funding will be made available next year and is a 34% increase on last year's drug funding.

The Coventry North East MP said the problems of drugs and anti-social behaviour should be addressed by landlords.

"Uncontrolled, drugs can cause great misery to neighbouring tenants, landlords need to take control and take it seriously," he said.

"We also want to see drug users are given the support they need when looking for housing, rather than being excluded.

"Good housing is an essential part of rehabilitation for drug users and we very much want to see a wider range of opportunities given to them."

Mr Ainsworth said the city would receive £2.1m in 2005 to tackle drugs.