URGENT support is needed to crack down on drug dealing and the intimidation of residents in a Flintshire community, a councillor has said.

Cllr Christine Jones, of Sealand, said she feels like she is fighting a losing battle when it comes to reducing anti-social behaviour and residents are left feeling intimidated.

She said residents are facing many issues on a regular basis, including hearing abusive language, having their tyres slashed, car windows smashed and witnessing drug activity.

She told the Leader: "I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle sometimes. We need more police presence. I know they have got cut backs and what I'm asking for is virtually impossible but it would be nice to have some support.

"I need action from all professionals to look at these young people and see why incidents are occurring.

"It's a dangerous place to live at the moment. There's no need for this type of behaviour.

"It's scary it really is. I'm encouraging people to call 101 or 999, it's the only way we will record the behaviour happening.

"People are scared. They are genuinely frightened and they are only teenagers. It's awful - I don't know what the answer is.

"People need to report more but they are scared of the consequences."

Chester and District Standard:

Cllr Christine Jones

Cllr Jones said she recently had to request the removal of a seat on the cycle path as it is being used as a meeting point.

After receiving many complaints from local residents of rubbish and drug paraphernalia being thrown over into their gardens, the councillor said action needed to be taken.

She added: "Their gardens back on to the cycle path and there's people of all ages there using the seat as a meeting point. These people have got children and they are hurling abusive language, you just don't need it.

"In the end I asked if we could take the seat temporarily, it can be put back when incidents aren't occurring as much as they are. It's not fair on people who actually use the path, it's a shame when we have dog walkers who want to sit down.

"People aren't walking there anyway at the moment because they are scared, it's really that bad. Something needs to be done."

A multi-agency meeting is set to be held after the bank holiday, which will include housing officers, community safety and police officers, who will meet to discuss the issues that have been reported and what can be done to reduce the number of incidents.

Cllr Jones said: "I constantly ring 999 but we shouldn't have to do that. There has been a surge in incidents, the past 18 months have been awful.

"I'm dreading the summer holidays because last year was so bad. The youngsters going down on the field, they were harassed by these gangs.

"These need to be sorted, for the little ones' sake. I'm visioning these people going round terrorising and I know it's not just our area, it seems to be everywhere lately.

"The last six months in particular have been dreadful for us. It was awful during the dark nights and I thought when it gets lighter it would be better but it's gone worse. They don't care if they are seen, nothing intimidates them. It's not fair on the residents.

"Some people are elderly, they don't need this. Something has got to give, someone has got to come and help us."

Cllr Jones said there is also an issue with cars speeding and going through red lights and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.

Anyone with concerns or incidents to report can contact police on 101 or via the live webchat service.

North Wales Police said the force is working with partners to tackle the 'unacceptable' behaviour and would encourage people who witness, or has information about asb, drug activity or criminal damage to report it.

Sgt Bethan Pritchard, said: "We do have anti-social behaviour but it has reduced greatly through the intervention work we have done. I understand anti-social behaviour is happening there but members of the public aren't ringing 101 to advise us when it's happening.

"I would like the public to tell us so we can continue to tackle it.

"Already we have been out to youths and obtained their details and they have have visits from officers. A number of people have been put on a prevention deter which is something run by the council so they understand what they are doing is wrong.

"We have put a lot of time and energy there but we need people to keep telling us."