POLICE have vowed to crackdown on anti-social behaviour after discovering a number of hypodermic needles by a derelict pub in Stratton.

The disused Wheatsheaf, in Dores Road, has been empty for the past year and residents who live close by have complained of persistent problems with anti-social behaviour.

One elderly woman has said she is afraid to go to bed at night in case her house is ransacked while she is asleep.

But now the police have promised to tackle the problem and have warned would-be offenders not to use the building as a playground.

PCSO Garath Reynolds, an officer who is well acquainted with the local area, said: “The presence of needles shows that this can be quite a dangerous area to hang around and we would urge residents to call us if they see instances of drug taking.

“Due to the fact that the building has been derelict for a while, it’s the perfect place for drug taking and we want to warn people of the consequences of doing that.”

Instances of anti-social behaviour have become so frequent that one resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said that she is subjected to a barrage of verbal abuse whenever she leaves the house.

Echoing the sentiments of her colleague, PCSO Ashlee John said: “There could well be little children who stumble across used needles and it’s important to make sure they are protected, which is why we would urge residents to get in touch with us if they see anything.

“These people who are engaging in anti-social behaviour don’t realise the effect they are having on the community.”

Stratton St Margaret councillor Teresa Page, who represents the Upper Stratton ward, has previously said that the problems could be solved if the building were put to some use.

She said: “Ever since the building became disused, youngsters have got in and have been poking around.

“If it could be put to some use, it might go some way towards addressing the anti-social behaviour problems.”

In one final plea to locals, Garath said; “If you know of anybody who goes to this area, warn them against it – a derelict building is not a playground.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.