Children in fear of drugs pushers (From Stroud News and Journal)

Children in fear of drugs pushers

HEROIN pushers have been intimidating children as young as ten as they trawl the streets of Cashes Green looking for custom.

Now terrified parents in the area say they cannot let their children out to play because of the number of drug dealers prowling the streets.

Two young mums spoke candidly to the News & Journal about the seedy situation that is getting out of control.

"Last week I counted seven drug dealers in the space of 300 yards. "My ten-year-old son has been assaulted and my friend's daughter invited to a dark alley.

"I won't let my kids out of the house anymore and I'm scared of putting up my washing," said one of the mums.

Both were too terrified to be named for fear of reprisals. But she added: "It's important people know what is happening so that something can be done about the situation."

She explained how gangs of dealers and addicts roam the streets and are a constant menace to their children.

Families are living in fear as the neighbourhood becomes over-run by the addicts, their anti-social behaviour and rising crime to feed their habits.

The women who spoke to the SNJ said the trouble was concentrated on the area around Stanton Road, Queen's Drive and Mosley Road.

"It seems that our estate is just being used by Stroud District Council as a dumping ground for anyone undesirable," said an angry mum.

"They're providing permanent housing for the drug-dealers when young mothers are being put up in B&B's."

* For full story see this week's News & Journal