DRUG dealing under bridges and subways is creating a ‘no-go’ area in Deeside, say community leaders.
They claim residents are too frightened to walk along underpasses due the number of drug users they have encountered.
Certain areas in Sealand and Queensferry have become “hot spots” for youths to abuse drugs and alcohol, say councillors.
Flintshire councillor for Sealand, Christine Jones said: “There’s a congregation of older youths under the bridge of the A494 bypass.
“They are drinking, taking drugs and it looks like they are dealing too.
“I’ve told the police and I am hoping they are going to act on it.
“It’s becoming a hot spot. It’s got to be addressed.”
Cllr Jones said there are problems near a cycle track under the bypass in Sealand during the day as well as in the evening.
“It’s a major problem,” she added. “It’s like an underworld, they think they can’t be seen under there.
“A lot of people walk along there including the elderly. They should not have to put up with this.
“People are coming to me saying they are too scared to give information to police, they are so worried about the repercussions.
“The residents are very, very worried about it.”
Similar concerns have been voiced about the subway from Queensferry to Pentre.
Cllr David Wisinger, Flintshire councillor for Queensferry, said: “It’s been going on for some time.
“They’ve seen people hanging around and they reckon money is changing hands.
“Youths congregate there, they are on their mobile phones then people are turning up in cars, getting out, going to the underpass and going back.
“People are concerned about it because they won’t use the underpass.
“They are a bit frightened of going under there. It’s intimidating so they have to go around.”
He added: “They are trying to keep out of sight. It’s the ideal place to sell stuff from.”