HEROIN and other dangerous drugs are being pushed by dealers in Haltwhistle – sometimes in front of children.

The claims were made this week by local councillors who have called on police to tackle the problem before lives are put at risk.

“We are talking about Class A stuff here. We are talking about heroin,” said local councillor Janette Kendrew.

At Monday’s meeting of Haltwhistle Town Council, members said Class A drugs were being distributed on the streets and in other locations, such as public toilets.

“It is happening in front of children, and sometimes involving children as well,” added Coun. Kendrew.

“In my time as a councillor, I’ve had calls from residents who wish to remain anonymous with regards to their concerns about drug dealing in the town.

“But they have grave concerns now.

“That’s how serious it has become.”

Coun. Margaret Forrest said she had also received complaints about drug issues, which the police are aware of.

“It is something we should be concerned about because it is something we do not want in this town.”

Local county councillor Ian Hutchinson said: “Unless we have the names and addresses of people who are willing to say this is happening here or there, it will be difficult for the police to catch the offenders.

“We all need to work together because I am aware of people’s concerns, and they can’t be ignored.”

Neighbourhood inspector Pam Bridges said she had spoken to town councillors prior to Monday’s meeting, and was well aware of residents’ concerns.

Insp. Bridges insisted that officers were already acting on information received to investigate drug related activity.

She explained: “We take these issues very seriously, particularly if it is involving young people.

“We will be meeting with local councillors to discuss further their concerns, and we will take positive action to deal with concerns which have been raised.”

Haltwhistle has been hit with drug fears in recent years, following the discovery of a cannabis farm in a disused building at the town’s Hadrian Enterprise Park in February 2012.

In July 2014, police said that arrests had been made relating to “low level” drug issues in the town.

And in January of this year, drug dealing and misuse were described as “no more of an issue than any other policing issue” in Haltwhistle.

Last month, police issued a warning about the dangers of drug misuse in Tynedale, after a 17-year-old boy became ill after taking what was believed to be the hallucinogenic drug, LSD.