FRUSTRATED residents and business owners continued to voice their fears over “rife” drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in their community.

Police and council officers heard from members of the West Hill area of Bournemouth about ongoing issues which have left them scared and concerned.

The main areas raised by those present at the meeting of the West Hill Community group included “blatant” drug issues, persistent fly-tipping and threatening behaviour.

One resident present at the gathering said: “I am scared to go out of my house at times and other people around here feel the same.”

Another, who works in West Hill, added: “It feels like a dangerous place to work. We are all fed up with it and we are in a desperate situation.

“It has reached a really bad state.”

Bournemouth Neighbourhood Inspector Jon Wasey, who addressed the meeting, said police are “fully aware of ongoing issues in the West Hill area”.

He encouraged residents to report any concerns relating to anti-social behaviour, drug dealing or misuse to Dorset Police through the correct channels, whether that is through 101, email, or online in non-emergency cases, while 999 is appropriate if anyone witnesses a crime in progress.

Inspector Wasey said: “We carry out daily proactive patrols in this area involving uniform and plain clothed officers and I would like to reassure members of the community that we are working closely with our partners in a bid to improve the area.

“We recognise these issues can have a significant impact on businesses and we are committed to supporting traders in the area and work with them to investigate crimes and identify offenders.”

Residents also highlighted worries over speeding vehicles and the state of roads and pavements.

Steven Day, BCP Council private sector housing manager, discussed the work of the West Hill project, which has received £230,000 of funding, bringing agencies together to improve housing standards, integrate the community and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Simon Grimston, chairman of the West Hill Community group, said: “I thought the meeting was positive.

“There is a lot for us to address, such as improving the green areas, dealing with anti-social behaviour and tackling drug dealing.

“We are looking for people who want to volunteer and are passionate and care about the area.

“It is important people know the appropriate channels to report issues, whether that is police or the council.

“At the moment the area has been neglected, we are well aware of that. People are using certain parts of this community as a dumping ground.”

The group is next due to meet in August. For more information, visit westhillcommunitybh2.org.