Sunderland residents say they are unable to let their kids out due to drug dealing and discarded needles

Sunderland residents say they are unable to let their children play out due to being plagued by drug users and dealers with drug related paraphernalia discarded in back lanes.

They say the problem is from people coming into the Ashbrooke area from the city centre and taking and dealing drugs in the back-lanes around Princess Street and Argyle Street.

Ashbrooke Residents’ Association spokesperson Patrick James, 47, said: “Six to seven times a day I see people outside on the street taking and dealing drugs. I’ve phoned the police, but by the time they arrive they’ve gone.

“You constantly find plastic bags and needles. A local nurse goes out with a yellow plastic bucket to clear up the needles and I’ve done it myself.

“We don’t let our kids out to play. There’s residue in the packets and there’s a fear they could pick up one of the needles, which has obvious health risks.”

Members say they’ve been left shocked after being awoken in the early hours of the morning by people “asking for mobile phones to call their uncle”.

Children’s care worker Patrick said: “In NovemberI heard someone outside before banging on my door and when I came down it was a woman asking to use my mobile phone. It was really scary - you think someone is trying to get into your house.

“There are lots families in the area who've had similar experiences.”

Patrick said the situation has arisen since the opening of Rectory Lodge care facility, in nearby Tunstall Road. Operated by Sterling Care Solutions Group, the facility provides accommodation and support to people living with mental health challenges.

Patrick said: “There was always the odd issue with drugs, but it has definitely got worse since Rectory Lodge opened, with people coming into the area and gathering around the facility.”

Responding to the situation, a Sterling Care spokesperson said they take the concerns seriously and added: “People outside of the Lodges are not always our residents, but people from the area who congregate, and we’re often moving them on.”

The Rectory Lodge building is owned by health and social care housing provider Inclusion Group.

A spokesperson said: “The grievances expressed are a police matter and local residents should call them to deal with drug related issues.

“From a landlord perspective, we work along side Sterling Care and other professionals to support residents and take action with any concerns raised that fall within our responsibility as a landlord.

“We’d like to arrange a meeting with the police to discuss what we can do going forward.”

Patrick said he and other residents have reported concerns to the police, including seven incidents between March 18 and April 15.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We work hard each and every day to ensure our communities are protected from the harm caused by illegal drugs.

“Recently, we’ve received reports of suspected drug taking and dealing linked to an address in the Ashbrooke area.

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Team officers continue to carry out regular proactive patrols, including in plain clothes, to identify offenders and make arrests.

“We appreciate the support of the public and would ask anyone with information which could assist our enquiries get in touch or approach an officer on duty.

“Those with information can send us a direct message on social media or via the report it form on our website.”

You can also call 101.

Patrick added: “I think there needs to be a dispersal order in place for the main offenders and a bigger police presence in the area.”