Police to clamp down on drug dealers

A group of people are reported to have been seen pedaling drugs in a number of locations in the town in recent weeks, with concerned residents calling for action.

At the beginning of August, Battle Police received reports that dealers were operating in the car park of the North Trade Road recreation ground.

Extra officers were put on patrol and two people were quickly arrested for possessing cannabis, a Class B drug.

The two youths, who are both local to Battle, were given official police cautions.

But the problem has not gone away.

Last weekend, a town councillor reported finding a bag believed to have been used in a drug deal in the recreation ground car park.

And recent reports have suggested that drug dealers have been operating in St Mary’s churchyard, by Battle railway station and in a passageway just off the High Street.

Inspector James Scott, of the Battle Neighbourhood Policing Team, says police patrols are being stepped up and the Force is working closely with British Transport Police to tackle the problems at the station.

Further enforcement action is also planned.

Inspector Scott has appealed for anyone who may have witnessed any drug dealing activity in Battle to get in touch.

He told the Observer: “We need the community to tell us where the problems are so we can focus on them.

“Particularly in the recreation ground as it is an area used by families and youngsters and we do not want them to be influenced by a group of people who take and deal drugs.

“We will task teams up there and we will be taking positive action against anyone found taking or dealing drugs.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing in Battle is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.