DRUG dealers and addicts in Westcliff are being targeted by police.

Numerous residents have complained about people loitering on the streets buying and selling class A drugs while dumping their needles on the pavements.

Police have now launched a crackdown, focusing on the areas surrounding Hamlet Court Road and Ceylon Road.

In a bid to solve long-term problems, neighbourhood police teams will work closely with Southend’s drug and alcohol team and drug charities to help users kick their addiction.

Officers have also been handing out leaflets urging residents to get involved and help catch those who are causing problems.

A temporary needle exchange was set up for a day in Hamlet Court Road.

Sgt Ashley Holland, of the Southend central neighbourhood policing team, said: “Over the next few months, we will be targeting drugs users and dealers in this area.

“We will be using traditional policing, but also working with the council’s antisocial behaviour team around preventative methods.”

Anyone with information about people suspecting of dealing drugs in the Hamlet Court Road and Ceylon Road areas can contact the Southend Central neighbourhood policing team on 07817 968114.