DRUG FEARS HAUNT FAMILIES

PORT HARDY - Residents at Cedar Heights Trailer Park are upset by
what they believe is a drug dealer living in their neighbourhood.

"Crack dealers belong in jail," and "children have the right to feel
safe," say signs put up on her property by Deanna Johnston, the owner
and resident living at 107, who dressed up as a jailbird Saturday,
Oct. 14 to tell people she's a prisoner in her own neighbourhood.

"This has been a problem for a year and a half," she said. "There are
drug dealers in the neighbourhood ... we've been trying to get them
out but there's nothing legal we can do."

The tension spilled into the streets shortly before 3 p.m., as
Johnston exchanged angry words with the neighbours she suspects, and
police were called to keep the peace.

All that drew more neighbours, who generally agreed there is a
problem in the trailer park.

"This is totally a problem," said Darcie Addison, who is a resident
and owner at #29.

"We're protesting against the drug dealer in our neighbourhood. Their
customers park in front of my house, so police won't get their number."

The noise of people coming and going is another problem. "They keep
us awake all night, with people coming and going," said Earl
Shirtlift, who lives at #27.

The neighbourhood's overall security is compromised, says Kevin
Smith, who lives at #31.

"I'm tired of worrying about whether my stereo is going to be stolen
or my shop broken into," he said.