Druggies have driven me out (From Dudley News)

Druggies have driven me out

11:40am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

A MARTIAL arts instructor claims he has been forced to relocate his Dudley town centre business because of prolific drug use around the building.

James Moclair, who has run the Tai Jutsu Kwai Martial Arts Centre at the top of town for the last 18 years, believes his business will fold if he remains where he is for much longer.

The trainer, who teaches adults and children as young as four years old at the premises opposite Asda, said the situation is getting out of hand, with drug users regularly smoking cannabis in the vicinity.

James, who is a world champion in martial arts, also said he has found foils on his stairway, which he believes have been used for heroin.

The instructor, who has been teaching for over 30 years, said: “I feel like I can no longer stay in these premises.

“I have had to call the police out numerous times this year alone and in 2010 police discovered an illegal cannabis factory and pirate radio station in a nearby building after I tipped them off.

“The situation came to a head recently when I had a parent and child come to enquire about classes, but when they arrived there was such a strong smell of cannabis that they just turned straight round and went away.”

“If we stay here I think we will definitely lose more people and the business will just end up folding.

“I can’t operate a martial arts centre which promotes fitness and a healthy lifestyle when we have the smell of drugs and people taking drugs all around.

“I have lots of young children who come to classes who I have to consider as well.”

James, who is this year celebrating his 50th anniversary since starting martial arts, is relocating his business to the upper floor of Plaza Malls in the heart of the town and is hoping the centre will be ready for use in under eight weeks.

The instructor added: “I wanted to make it my 50th year a memorable year, but unfortunately it’s being memorable for all the wrong reasons.”

Dudley North sector Sergeant Chris Fox, said: “The neighbourhood team have been working closely with members of the community in this area over the past few years and after acting on community led intelligence we have conducted numerous initiatives from closing down a cannabis factory and an illegal radio station.

“We take drug use and drug dealing very seriously and would welcome information from the local public to help us tackle this area of concern.”