Cologne press club discusses solutions for Neumarkt: drugs and security!

Cologne press club discusses solutions for Neumarkt: drugs and security!

Something is happening in Cologne! On June 24th, the Cologne Press Club will hold an exciting panel discussion entitled “The Neglected City”, which will deal intensively with the challenges on Neumarkt. The focus is on pressing issues such as the drug problem, neglect and general insecurity in this central district. How ksta.de reported, the event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Kreissparkasse Cologne.

The panel discussion couldn't be more timely. Residents on Neumarkt have long been expressing their concerns about the increasing drug problem and the resulting littering. A citizens' initiative has described the situation as intolerable, especially since the opening of the drug consumption room, which is considered necessary but also brings with it some challenges. Loud merkur.de Many citizens feel unsafe, which leads them to avoid spending time outdoors.

Important voices and solutions

Among others, Cologne city director Andrea Blome, police chief Johannes Hermanns and Isabel Hanstein from the Kunsthaus Lempertz will take part on the podium. The discussion will be moderated by Claudia Hessel. Prof. Michael Schaub will give a keynote speech on the four-pillar model from Zurich, which shows alternative approaches to dealing with open drug scenes. One of the key points will be the analysis of similar problems in other cities like them bmwsb.bund.de highlights. A recent technical discussion at the Federal Ministry addressed the challenges in urban development that are related to drug use. The goal is to make public spaces safe and attractive again without stigmatizing those affected.

The city of Cologne is also seeing some progress in dealing with the drug problem. Police statistics show that Neumarkt is considered a drug hotspot, but the experience of the pandemic complicates the assessment. The Police Department has reported that aggressive groups of people and trash dumping are a serious problem, affecting the safety of residents and passersby.

Need for action and future prospects

The feedback from citizens and the increasing number of police operations have now resulted in numerous measures. The city of Cologne plans to expand the offerings in the drug consumption room and at the same time establish more intensive cooperation with drug help and street work. The residents hope for noticeable improvements, as many feel restricted by the constant presence of drug addicts and homeless people.

A look at other cities across Germany shows that every city faces its own challenges - and solutions must be offered. The exchange about the successes and failures in dealing with drug use in public spaces is an important topic that must also be urgently addressed in Cologne.

So the panel discussion on June 24th could be a step in the right direction. Anyone who would like to take part should send an email in good time info@koelner-presseclub.de register. Admission starts an hour beforehand. A good hand in the matter is required to find solutions together!