A USUALLY quiet street in an affluent part of Bolton has become a hotspot for drug dealing, according to residents.

Up to 30 drug deals a week ­— or around four a day ­— have been seen by one Sharples householder.

The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has lived on Sharples Avenue for two years.

In that time the mum has spotted cars parking up outside her home before blatantly selling drugs to people.

She said: “It’s soul destroying. Since we moved here about two years ago it has been an ongoing thing. We have been told it has been going on for longer.

“The drug deals are taking place in broad daylight and are close to three primary schools and two nurseries.

“It has increased dramatically particularly during this lockdown period.

“Since March it has got out of hand. Because I have noticed it going on every time a car stops I am looking out of the window.

“It happens from around 4pm in the afternoon and it goes on until around 10.30pm.

“We do see the same cars pull up. It is quite insulting seeing them do it outside the house.

“I have seen snap bags on the floor too.

“On one occasion, we got out of the car as a family and there was a drug deal going on. "On Saturday I witnessed four drug deals take place within an hour, all of which involved drivers driving far too fast and erratically.”

The increase in speeding has also raised concerns of a serious accident taking place.

The resident added: “The drug dealers and their customers drive far too fast and it is a matter of time before a child is knocked down and killed.”

Sergeant David Butcher from the Bolton North Neighbourhood Team said: “We understand the negative impact drug use can have on the local areas and appreciate residents’ concerns – nobody should have to put up with this type of behaviour. We would like to reassure the residents that we remain committed to working together to keep Bolton a safe for everyone.

“Our hotspot locations are identified and prioritised from looking at calls made to the police in relation to drug dealing, ASB reports and illegal use of off road bikes, and these are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. “

Astley Bridge councillors Paul Wild and John Walsh said the issue has been raised in the past. A meeting took place in which neighbourhood police discussed what actions could be taken to stop the drug dealing such as installing CCTV.

If you have any information contact police on 101.