We live in ‘drug capital of south’ next to millionaires’ playground

LOCALS living in a drug-ravaged town that borders on a millionaires' playground say kids have to avoid sitting on dealers' benches.

The seaside spot has long been known for its substance issues, but residents say the problems have only gotten worse as the years have gone on.

Boscombe, in Bournemouth, has even been labelled the ‘drug capital of the south’, and ranks as one of the most deprived areas in the UK.

It’s a stark contrast to the likes of nearby Sandbanks and Southbourne, where million-pound mansions aren’t uncommon.

Residents say it’s not unusual to see drug deals in broad daylight, and youngsters even know to avoid plonking themselves in certain seats or walking near a specific church.

And after years of smelling cannabis as they walk along the high street - and fearing walking alone at night - those living nearby want to see a change.

One retired couple claimed they often saw queues of people trying to buy opioids snaking the streets.

The Boscombe pair, who did not want to be named, told The Sun: “There's drug abuse and social deprivation and then you come across these beautiful houses not far away that nobody is living in and they're locked up for winter because they are holiday lets.

“There's a huge divide between places like Boscombe and Sandbanks, I think you often get the richest in society and the poorest living cheek by jowl.”

They continued: “Our neighbour smokes hash all day every day, it permeates the walls.

“Even in the street, you don't have to walk far and you can smell it. Lots of people seem to be doing it out in the open in the street.

“When you go into the chemists you can very obviously see the methadone queue.”

Linda McGuinness, who has called the area home for decades, said something needs to change - and quick.

The 74-year-old carer said: "It's really gone downhill.

"This used to be a lovely place but now it is spoilt by people doing drugs.

"You can see them dealing by the church and you can't walk up and down the high street without the smell of cannabis.

"I wouldn't feel safe walking here at night."

One woman who has lived in the area for 45 years said it has deteriorated before her eyes.

Read more: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2512300...

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