THE work of Operation Jericho, a project to tackle Class A drug supply, reduce crime and tidy up Charford, was showcased at a national conference.

The conference, "Delivering the Drug Strategy: progress made, challenges ahead", was held in central London last week and the Home Secretary Charles Clarke made a keynote speech. He discussed the positive changes being seen, set out the critical role the Drug Strategy plays and the challenges for the future.

Operation Jericho is one of several examples of work happening in England to tackle drug-related problems which were being recognised at the event.

In Bromsgrove close co-operation between police and the community of the Charford estate helped to break up the heroin market, make the neighbourhood safer and brought treatment services direct to drug users in the area for the first time.

While the Multi Agency Resource Centre focussed on support and treatment for addicts, the police targeted those users who were stealing, shoplifting and carrying out robberies to fund their habit.

The operation uncovered the fact that one drug-using offender was responsible for nearly all car crime on the estate. Since this arrest there has been an instant drop in crime.

Kate Rowbery, from the Worcestershire Substance Misuse Action Team, attended the conference and met Home Office drugs minister Paul Goggins MP.

Kate said: "The success of Operation Jericho means that the local community is working together more closely and people are coming forward for help.

"Drugs are also harder to purchase in the area and the relationship between the police and treatment agencies has improved."