A drug hotspot in Abbots Langley has been wiped off the map thanks to an eagled-eyed resident.

A member of the public alerted Three Rivers District Council after spotting drug paraphernalia, believed to have been used for taking crack cocaine, in a small coppice in Abbots Langley.

Once the materials had been cleared the authority contacted Hertfordshire County Council, which is responsible for the area, to cut back overgrown vegetation making it harder for drug users to hide away.

The electricity supplier repaired damage to its sub-station fencing and police officers stepped up patrols.

There have been no repeat incidents there or in the surrounding area.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult Care Services assistant director Sue Darker, chairman of Hertfordshire Drugs Partnership, said: “Our partnership working is having a really positive impact on the community as more organisations work together to tackle drug use and associated criminality.”

Hertfordshire Drugs Partnership, which includes representatives from the probation service, police, county and district councils, health and the voluntary sector, works to tackle drug use and supply in the county.

During National Tackling Drugs Week, which starts today, the partnership hopes to encourage residents to contact their local district or borough council if they see any drug-taking paraphernalia and tell police if they suspect anyone of drug dealing.