Opposition builds in Kells as 'head shop' opens

There has been an angry reaction in Kells to the opening of a so-called 'head shop' in the town over the weekend. The new shop, which opened in Carrick Street on Friday, has caused great concern to local residents and particularly parents, according to the cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council, Cllr Brian Curran. He said that, if necessary, he would call an emergency meeting of the town council to discuss the issue and said he was prepared to do everything in his power to have the premises closed. "I have had a lot of people coming to me over the past few days, particularly people, expressing concern about this premises. There has been a lot of opposition to these types of shops all over the country and Kells is no different, We don't need it or want it," he said. Cllr Curran said he had contacted both the HSE and Meath County Council to see if anything could be done to have the shop closed. "I want to see it closed. It will interfere with the quality of young people's lives," he warned. "Parents are very worried and we will be looking to see how the people of other towns have dealt with this problem," he said. Supt Pat Collins of Kells said the premises was not operating illegally and, until the law changed, premises such as this were entitled to operate. He said the problem existed all over the country. However, he added that the Gardai would be paying attention to the premises and keeping an eye on what was happening there.