WORRIED residents on a Preston housing estate claim drugs and vandalism have turned part of their neighbourhood into a no-go area.

Families living near a children's play area on Sylvancroft in Tanterton have demanded action after claiming junkies there are making their lives hell.

And they say the playground - which is surrounded by high bushes - is the perfect place for petty criminals as they can't be seen or caught.

Former nurse Tina Mulley said that before Christmas she was looking for a cat on the park with nine-year-old son Beau when she made a terrifying discovery.

She said: "I turned round and saw a man relieving himself. There was a discarded needle on the chair and he had obviously just been injecting.

"It was frightening. I told Beau to get inside quickly."

Worried Tina added: "I don't let my children out to play and at night I won't walk past the park. It's a junkies' paradise."

Eileen Gayner said: "It's a shame. There is a lot of drug taking and vandalism around here.

"When my grandchildren are here I only let them play if I'm with them. I also feel vulnerable at night and don't go out."

North British Housing Association's boss Derek Watters said the problems had been discussed: "We met before Christmas at the request of police and residents and came up with suggestions including cutting back shrubbery.

"We do want to make the play area more visible but need to consult the residents again."

PC Jim Eckersley is a beat bobby in the area. He said: "I'm not aware of a drug problem although drugs are endemic the world over." PC Eckersley urged people with information to call 203203.

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