Young drugs-pushers are targeting a newly-opened children's play area in Tadcaster, residents claimed today.

The two-month-old £26,000 Woodlands play area, which is for youngsters under 12 years old, has become a popular hang-out for "nuisance" teenagers.

Brian Gomersall, 49, who runs nearby hardware and frozen food store This'n'That, said two youngsters entered his shop to tell him drugs were being sold there.

He told the Evening Press: "I'm not scaremongering, but I don't want my young grandchildren subjected to something like that.

"Something needs to be done. It's a wonderful play area that could be ruined if we're not careful.

"Parents need to be aware about what goes on there."

Sgt Ian Butler, of Tadcaster police, said they had received a number of complaints about drug dealing on the play area and were currently investigating the matter.

He revealed today that they were "hopeful" money could be allocated for new CCTV cameras to catch the culprits on film.

The Woodlands facility was funded by Tadcaster Town Council and Selby District Council, as part of a scheme to rejuvenate the town's four play areas.

Town councillor Jan Bell said: "We're aware of the drugs problem on there, which is very upsetting. It grieves me to think all our hard work is being spoilt by a minority."

Sgt Butler said: "We're currently investigating all the rumours concerning drug dealing. Plain-clothes officers have been down there but so far we've caught no-one in the act.

"The area has been hugely successful since it opened, which, unfortunately has led to it becoming one of the worst areas for nuisance youths."

Sgt Butler said a budget of £150,000 was available for crime prevention measures in Selby district this year.

"I'm hopeful some of that could be spent on CCTV cameras for the Woodlands play area," he said, "No one is going to deal drugs in front of a camera."

Woodlands resident Joe Scrancher said: "It's clear drugs are being used there. It's a terrible influence on the younger kids."

A mother-of-two, who did not wish to named, said: "Drugs are a massive problem in the town."

Updated: 14:25 Thursday, April 26, 2001