DRUG dealers are plying their trade yards away from school children playing on their break time.

Used needles and other drug paraphernalia has also been found out-side Highfield County Primary School, Blacon, where the gang have been spotted day and night.

Residents have reported seeing drug addicts lying unconscious on the pavement with needles still stuck in their arms close to the phone box that has become their meeting point - and a few steps away from the bus stop used by schoolchildren.

Fights and acts of vandalism have also plagued the surrounding area.

Highfield headteacher John Evans, at the school for less than a month, said: 'We are aware of the problem and have been working closely with the police. We have also spoken to and co-operated with nearby residents.'

The school caters for children as young as three years old in its nursery building and angry residents this week claimed they witnessed youngsters watching as drug deals were carried out.

Speaking at Wednesday's One Voice for Blacon meeting, one resident who asked not to be identified said: 'I've got a young grandson and it broke my heart to see them outside dealing at playtime with children stood watching.

'I've kept a record of every incident for months and the response has been good, the police do come out but I've stopped calling now because nothing has been done.'

The resident also claimed anyone who reported the gang's activities suffered vandalism and intimidation, with one person's car attacked three times.

They added: 'That's their warning to us not to do it.'

Sergeant Dave Barter, of Chester Outer Community Action Team (CAT), acknowledged that the police were aware of the problem and had previously switched the phone box to outgoing calls only in a bid to disrupt potential drug deals.

Sgt Barter said: 'Unfortunately, that measure can only last for three months.

We've been to see the headmaster and offered our full support. Every day we are on duty we are patrolling the area.'

He also highlighted the recent execution of two high profile drugs warrants and appealed for anyone with information about known drug dealers to contact the police.

Mr Evans added: 'As far as we can tell this is a relatively new problem. It is not the case that needles have been found on the actual school grounds.

'Through co-operation with the police we hope this will all be resolved.'