Drug dealing around Victoria Park and Laureston Place prompted a Dover resident to speak out about feeling unsafe and intimidated in his own street.

The man, whose identity we are protecting, said the drug dealing problem has been going on for years and he has had enough.

He claims he has reported this to police many times but there is nothing officers can do unless they catch the criminals in the act.

He said: “The crime and the drugs, that’s what I’m up against and I hate it. I’ve had enough. We don’t feel safe.

It has prompted chief inspector Guy Thompson to urge people with similar concerns to come forward.

But despite claims the police want to tackle drugs and suppliers, the man added: “There are families who live along here. They don’t need to see that.”

“It may go over the children’s heads, but parents must be concerned about their children being so close to the drug users and dealers" - Resident, anon

After living in the area for 16 years, he claims he now feels intimidated in his own street.

Discarded needles close to St Mary’s Primary School and Laureston House Residential Home is another concern.

“It may go over the children’s heads, but parents must be concerned about their children being so close to the drug users and dealers.

“It’s disgusting. It’s a big problem as there are families up here. There are children here. We’ve got to stop it.”

Dealers gather half-way up the steps near to his house, he claims.

A series of police raids were carried out in June last year which saw officers charging 23 people with drug offences in the Dover area, many of which were charged with supplying Class A drugs.

He is concerned those who were jailed will soon be returning home - potentially making things worse.

Ch Insp Thompson said: “We will continue to target drug dealers across the Dover district and would ask that the public report activity via 101 or by ringing Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“It may be a house down the road that you think has suspicious visitors or an area where people are exchanging things. Please let us know.”

Helen D’Cruz, the head teacher at St Mary’s Primary School in Laureston Place, Dover, said: “Nobody has reported to us that anything has been found.

“If anything dangerous is found it should be reported back to us and parents are welcome to speak to me if they have any problems.

“We have not sent out a warning to parents but we are teaching the children about drugs awareness which is very general.”