City votes to close schoolyard

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The Geneva City Council has voted to close the school courtyard in the Paquis.

The move comes after the area has become a magnet for drug users and dealers. 

But not all were convinced. Many from left-wing parties voted against or abstained. They argued closing the school yard will only push the problem elsewhere and deprive the young of a meeting space. Most of the dealing and using is overnight. 

One pointed out each time an area is cleared – drug users moved. It started with the Jardin Anglais, then the train station – and now it’s Paquis. 

Many argued there needs to be more work on helping drug users kick the habit. 

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