Don't let us have another Kate (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Don't let us have another Kate

Kate WalshCALLS are being made to clear an area rife with drug dealers in Manchester Road yards from where tragic Kate Walsh met her end.

One resident, who has asked not to be named for fear of recrimination, is convinced that it is only a matter of time before another young life is lost to drugs.

According to the resident there are drug users and dealers around all the time, and even after a recent raid they were back on the streets within an hour.

Our source, who has lived in Manchester Road for three years, said: "People living in Manchester Road are really concerned, especially those with kids.

"The police have raided a house but within an hour they (the drug users) were back again. They can't win.

"Personally, I have seen 15 and 16-year-old boys being dealt to.

"I have also seen wrappers in the street, which would indicate that drugs are being used.

"Everyone in this street remembers Kate Walsh. We think it will happen again unless something drastic is done.

Kate, 16, from Highworth, died of a suspected heroin overdose in January last year.

And in May this year, Cherelle Parker, also 16, died in Carlton Street Car Park near Manchester Road.

Police suspect that drugs were involved.

A former school pal of Cherelle's, Lauren Watkins, of Park South, called on teenagers to avoid the temptation of drugs.

"Young people need to be wary of drugs," said the 17-year-old.

"It's a horrible route to go down.

"You cut yourself away from the people who love you. People need to say no."

Kate's death triggered an official probe, which showed that the youngster had been badly let down by those charged with her safety.

It painted a picture of neglect and poor co-operation between agencies such as social services and drug rehabilitation units in the run-up to Kate's death.

Authors of the report called for a radical shake-up in provision of drug services for young people in Swindon, and better communication between different agencies.

Police raided a house in Manchester Road on September 7 and recovered an unknown quantity of drugs-related paraphernalia and more than £1,000.

Two 17-year-old men from the London area were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

They were both bailed until December 1, pending further inquiries.

Kevin Shoesmith