POLICE have stepped up efforts to tackle drug dealing on a Workington estate.

Allerdale Police have been out speaking to residents in Mooclose after concerns were raised over the issue by the community.

Officers are also calling for residents to come forward with any information that would help police tackle the problem.

Inspector Rachel Gale said: “This is the latest example of our pro-active neighbourhood policing to tackle any emerging concerns in Workington.

“We listen to what residents tell us is concerning them and we act quickly to address these issues.

“In Moorclose we have had some concerns over drugs.

“Where we identify individuals or properties involved in drug dealing we will seek to use a wide range of powers to disrupt this behaviour.

“This can include traditional law enforcement tactics such as search warrants.

“However, we may also seek to obtain injunctions on individuals that prevent them from certain activities or ban them from certain locations.

“We can work with our housing partners to evict people from their properties where their tenancies are being misused.”

The move comes after police also launched measures to tackle problems with public drinking and anti-social behaviour in Workington town centre.

Police officers and community support officers (PCSOs) have been out in Moorclose in the last week, increasing visibility and speaking to residents.

They have been speaking with people face-to-face on the doorsteps and completed more than 100 surveys to gather information.

These surveys have asked general questions about what issues, if any, are affecting the community.

Insp Gale added: “Drug dealing is not only illegal but can have a ripple effect of anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder in the area, which can affect the whole community.

“We are responding to community concerns and, along with our partner agencies, will seek to disrupt this type of behaviour.”

Anyone with information about drugs crime should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.