The council has said it is doing everything it can to continue tackling antisocial behaviour in the city including excessive drug and alcohol use.

Brighton and Hove City Council held a community meeting in July for residents to share their views on drugs, alcohol, and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.   

The meeting at Hove Town Hall was arranged by local councillors to hear from residents and explore further joint working across the council, Sussex Police and partner organisations to help reduce the harm caused by drugs.  

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The event was attended by Councillor Andrei Czolak, policy lead for community safety, chief executive of the council Jess Gibbons and chief superintendent Rachel Carr from Sussex Police.  

A number of break-out table sessions were organised to allow residents to share their experiences and concerns about anti-social behaviour, community safety and drug harm.  

The most common fears raised were about drug-taking on the streets, litter, noise, threatening behaviour and rough sleeping.

The council established the Combatting Drugs Partnership in 2022 to develop a collaborative approach to deliver the city’s drugs and alcohol strategy.  

The partnership includes the police, probation, adults and young people’s treatments and recovery services, and council officers from public health, housing and community safety. 

The priorities are to disrupt the drug supply chain and improve recovery services in the area.

Over the past year, the partnership has closed down 38 county lines, which led to 99 arrests and over 8,000 drug seizures and added 80 young people to prevention programmes.

The team has also increased the capacity of treatment services for adults and children and young people and helped 124 individuals access residential rehab.

Councillor Andrei Czolak said: “We must do everything we can to reduce harm caused by drugs and alcohol for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Brighton and Hove. 

“We’re working with Sussex Police to limit the supply of drugs into our communities.

"It is a difficult area and we’re exploring how we can increase the provision of our services for people experiencing harm from drug and alcohol use, and how we can help them navigate treatment and support pathways. 

“We have a duty of care to support people with substance use issues. However, these problems impact everyone in the city, so it’s crucial that the wider community can contribute to our strategy."

Chief Superintendent Rachel Carr said: "At the meeting, the powerful emotions and concerns shared by the residents made it clear that change is necessary.  

"By continuing to collaborate with the local authority, partner agencies and the community, we will work together to address these challenges and strive towards improving the quality of life for those in the Brunswick and Adelaide and Regency wards. 

"The community plays a crucial role in driving change and we thank everyone who has already reported concerns, as these contributions are invaluable in helping us understand where and how to best allocate our resources.  

"We encourage ongoing reporting to help us address issues effectively and make a meaningful impact in your wards." 

Concerns about drugs and antisocial behaviour can be reported online or by calling 101.

People are advised to dial 999 in an emergency.