Fears are growing that a run-down alleyway is becoming a haven for drug users, writes Paul Warner.

Residents fear derelict buildings in Priory Lane, Bicester, attract youths to smoke cannabis.

Boarded-up buildings have been vandalised, while an old mobile library bus which was left on the undeveloped land was set alight by arsonists a fortnight ago.

Walls have been covered in graffiti, including drawings of cannabis plants, and the area is strewn with broken bottles and charred wood.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There are youngsters hanging around the area and we're very concerned about what they're up to.

"We're very worried that they might be involved in drug-dealing, while there has also been a lot of vandalism in the area."

Pc Terry Roe, whose beat covers Priory Lane, said a successful police operation against drug-dealing was mounted there a year ago but added that he would be patrolling the area more often. "That is a part of Bicester where we've had occasional problems with groups of youths behaving in a rowdy or disorderly manner.

"Recently we posted officers in nearby Church Street on Friday and Saturday evenings to deal with noisy groups making their way home from pubs, and that certainly quietened things down.

"There are times when groups of youths and other people still gather in that area, and this sort of thing can lead to vandalism and graffiti."

About half an acre of land which backs on to Priory Lane is co-owned by Martin Harris, a partner with chartered surveyor Sidleys.

He said the area had been earmarked for development and a conditional contract drawn up with Cherwell District Council.

"We've done all we can. Every time we board up the buildings, someone comes along and smashes them down. I'm afraid it's a scene similar right across the land.

"We're looking to develop the area, but these things take time."

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