As drug use and safety concerns escalate in Richmond, calls are growing louder for the state government to step in.

Speaking on 3AW Mornings with Tom Elliott, City of Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly said the local community is bearing the brunt, with struggling businesses and residents feeling unsafe.

Press PLAY to hear the mayor’s passionate message to the Premier

“If you’re not going to move it, will you at least commit to opening other supervised injecting rooms to ease the pressure on Richmond?” councillor Jolly asked.

“If you’re going to keep it here, then it’s time to put your hands in your pockets and start supporting the locals.”

Images: 3AW, Asanka Ratnayake/Getty