VIGILANTE residents have launched a name-and-shame leaflet campaign against alleged drug dealers who they claim run their community.

The leaflet featuring a photograph of a man labelled "a dealer and drug addict" has been delivered to houses in the Welborn Close area of Tang Hall in York.

One member of the vigilante group, who asked not to be named, said it was a last-ditch attempt to draw attention to what they saw as drug-related crimes that blighted everyday life.

The leaflet states: "How long do you want to live in a community where you can't get a good night's sleep because the dealers are open 24 hours a day, cars and motorcycles are screeching off after making a purchase, shouting and screaming before and after a fix?

"If that's what you want, then cower behind your curtains, ignore the world, and when you read in the paper that some young girl or boy has been found dead from an overdose go back to the sports page. After all, it has nothing to do with you!"

Community PC Nick Bailey said he was aware of drug dealing allegations in the area, but appealed for residents to come forward with details.

He said: "They can speak in confidence to us about any suspicious activity and we will act on the intelligence we receive."

A York Police spokesman said there had been a recent report of suspected drug dealing in the area.

Councillor David Wilde said it was "daring or foolish" for the group to take matters into their own hands. "A better course would be to go to the police or the estate manager," he said.

Estate manager Ashley Mouncher said he had not received specific complaints of drug dealing.

Anyone with any information about drug dealing can phone York Police on 01904 631321 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, June 25, 2003