FAMILIES FEAR DRUG MENACE

Families are campaigning to stop drugs dealers peddling heroin and cocaine
only metres from a primary school.

Parents in Birch Avenue, Blandford St Mary, want housing officials and
police to stop the dealers they say trade from a home in the road, close to
Blandford St Mary First School and Little Birch Pre-school next door.

A spokesman for Signpost Housing Association, which owns the home, said
residents had complained in August and it referred the matter to the police.

A mother, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "A
woman, who has two young children, hides the drugs in her laundry. There
are all types of drugs, cocaine, heroin and ecstasy, being traded at all
hours of the day and night.

"Signpost will not do anything about it. It is common knowledge in the
street that it goes on but people are scared to say anything.

"The number of cars that turn up in the area is amazing. It is a family
place and we have a village school there. We have been in touch with
Signpost and it knows about it but will not do anything.

"It has told us to fill out nuisance records but those things are not going
to do anything. The woman is very clever. There is never enough police
around here and they never answer the phone."

It is not the first time a resident of the road has been involved in drugs
dealing.

In November 2000, a 36-year-old man was sentenced to six years' jail after
UKP 15,000 of drugs, UKP 10,000 cash and a lightweight sub-machine gun were
found at his home.

He admitted supplying heroin, possession of heroin and cannabis with intent
to supply and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Judy Baker, headteacher at Blandford St Mary First School, said: "Of course
we would want to know about it but no-one has drawn our attention to it. We
do have lessons about drugs awareness at the school, as our kids are very
precious and we want to safeguard them."

Tina Partridge of Signpost Housing Association said: "We need this woman to
refer the matter to the police as it is a criminal matter. We need the
police to make a successful conviction before we can do anything.

"We take the matter of drugs very seriously and urge people to contact us
so we can investigate it through the correct channels."

A police spokesman said: "As and when we get sufficient information and
evidence we will act on it. We are aware of the allegations and this is not
the only example in the town."

He said items had been sent for analysis following an unrelated arrest made
in connection with drugs last week, but it would be some time before they
knew whether a prosecution could be brought.