Drug dealing and human excrement left in alleyways.

These are some of the problems residents in the St Margaret’s Bank area of Rochester say they are facing.

Problems areas are said to include the High Street, Nags Head Lane, Hawkwood Close and Five Bells Lane.

Residents want alley gates installed and intend to hand a petition to Medway Council. More than 70 people have already signed.

Cllr Bill Esterson (Lab), who represents the ward has said he is prepared to pay for the gates out of his ward funds.

Hawkswood Close resident Sylvia Meade, said: “The drug dealers turn up at all times, and now we have people urinating in the alleys.

“We think the problem is made worse because they know the area is not covered by CCTV cameras.”

Inspector Mat Newton who attended a meeting to discuss problems facing rsidents earlier this month, added: “We will all work together to establish the most effective way to tackle the anti-social behaviour being experienced.”

See Monday's Medway Messenger for full story