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

About 50 people gathered at a public meeting last week to try and come up with ideas of 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 in the town 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 and there have also been a couple of deaths in the town relating to heroin."

The group has named itself Spenny Against Smack (SAS) and Mr Davies said he and others are prepared to do whatever it takes to get rid 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.

"Spennymoor at the moment is at the point where it can be controlled. But we need to get those who can make a difference to do something before it gets out of control."

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

He said that plans were also under way to get a petition together calling for action as soon as possible.

Acting Insp Ed Turner, of Newton Aycliffe Police, said that the police welcomed public support in the fight against drugs.

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

"We need members of the public and their support to eradicate the problem of drugs in Spennymoor and other areas.