“Clean place” in the Saint-Martin district of Montpellier: “We will not abandon the residents”, assures the mayor

The mayor and the secretary general of the prefecture reiterated their commitment to the neighborhood during the inauguration of the Youth Space at the Maison pour tous. – F. A.

The Saint-Martin neighborhood was the first in Hérault to benefit from a "clean space" operation a year ago. Recently, the inauguration of a "Youth Space" at the Maison pour tous L’Escoutaïre was an opportunity for the City and the State to reaffirm their determination to offer prospects to young people and a peaceful life to all residents.

On Wednesday, December 4, the Maison pour tous L’Escoutaïre, in the Saint-Martin district, inaugurated its Youth Space. Led by a specialized educator, this unique program in Montpellier aims to support 11-25 year-olds by involving them in organizing leisure activities and offering them access to rights and integration. Objectives: “promote creativity, solidarity and civic engagement”, “encourage collaborative projects between young people.”

Fight against trafficking, occupied building lobbies

This ambition takes on a particular resonance in Saint-Martin, where a year ago, the first “clean place” operation was launched in Montpellier. This major deployment of law enforcement aimed to eradicate drug trafficking points, the problems of occupied building lobbies, squatted apartments, and stolen cars, particularly around the Saint-Martin tower. Response to a situation that had become critical: in October 2023, a young woman living on the 5th floor was hit by bullet fragments in her bathroom, during a gunshot fired in the street… The public prosecutor spoke of a “collateral victim of intimidation shots, in a neighborhood known for drug trafficking.”

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

“The forces of disorder that lead young people into a dead end”

A year later, beyond the police and judicial action, the Youth Space of the Maison pour tous illustrates the desire to provide a framework for adolescents and young adults in the neighborhood, faced with the risk of slipping into delinquency. “Some want to divert young people. The vast majority want to succeed”, declared the mayor of Montpellier, Michaël Delafosse, during this inauguration. “We will not let the forces of disorder that lead young people into a dead end. The drug trade is one of them.” At his side that evening, the secretary general of the prefecture, Frédéric Poisot, added: “We will continue to fight against drug trafficking, which is a cancer.”

Michaël Delafosse encourages young people to open up to the city: “Don't just stay in this neighborhood. Montpellier belongs to you.” A message, too, to the entire population, and a commitment to “allow everyone to have a peaceful life. We will not abandon the people of Saint-Martin.” With the prospect of the upcoming redevelopment of the shopping center, through a preemption policy.

Reappropriation of the public highway

Among those who live in Saint-Martin on a daily basis, Jérémy Compain, social mediator at the Youth Information Point of Radio Clapas, notes a reappropriation of public space by residents. As in the Alain-Bashung park, in the heart of the neighborhood: “Before, parents did not dare cross with their children. Now, associations are also investing in this park.” He insists on the need to put a stop to trafficking a year ago. “We shouldn't let things get worse. When we saw a “DZ Mafia” tag, the residents understood that some were trying to get hold of drug dealing points”. The mediator remembers the deployment of the “clean place” operation: “Paradoxically, the police presence had an anxiety-inducing effect, but was ultimately a benefit.”

I subscribe to read the rest