In an unexpected move the area's Chief Constable announced that the police begin a crackdown on crime in the Welwyn-Hatfield area. This comes just weeks after the annual crime statistics showed that in the last year violent crime in Welwyn-Hatfield has risen by

almost thirty percent and drug related crime has rusen by almost twenty five percent. The Chief Constable, Peter Sharp QPM, promised new money and resources for the venture and said that it was now the main priority in the area.

NEW DRUG HITS LONDON, HERTFORDSHIRE COULD BE NEXT!

A new drug, nicknamed 'pepper' is hitting the streets of London. Imported from Africa or Asia, this new drug is a growing cause for concern. We talked to Dr Kenning, a narcotic expert and head of the new task force, codenamed "Drug Free", put together to fight this new drug. "It's really worrying. Ecstacy is no longer fashionable, or considered safe, and kids are looking for a new high. This new stuff is five times more addictive than cocaine, and its out there on the streets." What kind of effects does the drug create? "Users claim heightened awareness - suddenly the whole world is full of smells, sounds and colours they have never seen before but the comedown after the high, which only lasts about ten to twenty minutes is severe." But it seems that the comedown isn't the only danger: "beacuse the stuff is so potent, a lot of dealers are cutting it really fine. They end up mixing it with cocaine, caffeine or some other stimulant, but that's if you're lucky. Some stuff has been found that's been cut with ground down light bulbs, and one guy was using rat poison to cut his. The problem is that people don't seem to realise that there are no safe drugs out there. The message is still the same: Just Say No."

THE ADVENTURE AT THE PLAYGROUND CONTINUES

Over the past weeks we at the Hatfield and Herts have been telling you about the adventure playground. Last week we reported that it had been vandalised, and that a new, high tech security system would be installed. However, last week, the cameras were smashed and the playground was once again vandalised, this time the equipment was totally destroyed, not just sabotaged. Police are not saying whether or not anybody was caught on camera, but we are assured that investigations are in progress. We, at the Hatfield and Herts, however, are proud to announce that we will be donating £20,000 to the playground. This is to ensure that there will be a nighttime security guard, as well as the cameras. Pat Hilder (44), of the local citizens' watch, had this to say. "When it comes to turning a playground into a prison, then enough is enough. We just want our children to be able to play in safety, and we're just so grateful both to Bolt Holdings and the Hatfield and Herts for all the help they're giving us."

The Playground is due to open some time next week.