GARBAGE IS ONE THING, NEEDLES ARE ANOTHER: RESIDENTS

Frustrated with central Surrey's prostitution scene, 200 residents took
their troubles to council Tuesday night. They came away vented, with
another meeting promised within the next 10 days.

"We don't look out our front doors and see green lawns," said group
organizer Linda Tylor, holding two containers up for council. "Condoms,
needles, this is what we see."

Council members listened for 30 minutes as residents wearing badges marked
"Community in Action" described the condition of their neighbourhoods, the
crime they witness every day, the impact it has on their lives, and the
actions they want council to take.

"We want a community as safe as the one you live in," resident Stephanie
DeRapp said to council members. "I cannot have my child play in my front
yard for the woman who walks by with her injectable."

Green Timbers resident Howard Martin told council of the harassment
children experience on their way to school. His son, while walking one
block from home to Cindrich Elementary School, was invited into a
stranger's car.

"What happens if all of the people like us leave?" Martin asked council.
"It will mean further deterioration (of communities.)"

On her street, DeRapp says, four houses are for sale.

Linda Tylor read to council segments of a letter from a homeowner planning
to sell.

"We are no longer safe. There is a danger to children. We live in fear of
retaliation."

The group asked council to initiate short-term solutions immediately while
continuing to work towards a long-term plan of action - a plan that
includes amending bylaws and meetings involving all levels of government.

"We need increased policing around our hot spots," DeRapp said. "Public
safety initiatives are not working. Adopt-a-street does not work in my
neighbourhood. It's one thing to pick up garbage - it's another to pick up
needles that may be infected."

The creation of "bubble zones" around schools and parks were among the
group's demands - with RCMP patroling the areas.

Council promised that city staff would look into the concerns. McCallum
suggested a committee of residents and local agencies meet monthly to
devise solutions.

"I've made the commitment to meet within the next 10 days," he said. "There
will be more commitments once we get a full report from our staff." The
mayor also commented on the opposition that communities mount when shelters
and facilities are proposed.

"It's an example of what we face, trying to establish a balance," McCallum
said, referring to the negative reaction Newton residents have had to a
70-bed facility proposed for their neighbourhood.

"It's not easy sitting up here."

Tylor says the group has reservations based on council's track record.
"They held meetings a few years ago with concerned citizens and nothing
came of that. If it's just getting together once a month and having a bitch
session and nothing gets done ... that's not what we have in mind."