DESPERATE residents have formed their own action group in an attempt to rid the streets of drugs.

About 50 people gathered at a public meeting this week to try to come up with ideas on how to stamp out heroin addiction in Spennymoor.

Anti-drug campaigner Neil Davies, who called the meeting, said the problem is starting to escalate out of control and people felt something needed to be done before it is too late.

He said: "I live and shop in Spennymoor and, every time I'm out, there is always someone talking about the state of things in the town.

"There is nearly always someone who has been the victim of drug-related crime. Friends of mine say their kids are always finding needles on the street.''

The new pressure group has named itself Spenny Against Smack (SAS) and Mr Davies said he and others are prepared to do whatever it takes to rid the town of the problem.

He said: "We obviously want to go through the proper channels and, since the meeting, I have spoken to the police and Orbit 20, which gives out needles and advice to drug users.

"At the moment, Spennymoor is at the place where it can be controlled, but we need to get those who can make a difference to do some- thing before it gets out of control.''

Mr Davis said he had also contacted Sedgefield Borough Council in the hope they would be able to help in some way.

He added there are also plans for a petition calling for action as soon as possible.

He said: "We will be having another meeting soon.

"We will be getting names and addresses for the petition which will be presented to the chief constable at Durham Police."

Acting Inspector Ed Turner said police welcomed public support in the fight against drugs.

He said: "If they are want-ing to do something positive then we would encourage them to work with the relevant agencies."