ANGRY Newport mothers took to the streets yesterday in a bid to reclaim their neighbourhood from the scourge of drugs and gangs.

Residents in Pill want to see a mass police crackdown on the terrorising behaviour which has blighted the community in recent years.

It comes as ward councillor Ron Jones called for parts of Pill to be demolished and regenerated.

He said: "Derelict areas attract derelict minds into the area, where you find derelict areas you find drug dealing and abuse."

The area has in the past attracted drug gangs like those caught in Operation Corolla. Eighteen people were convicted of drugs offences. Many of them based in Pill, some with Yardie connections, the gang peddled heroin and crack.

Pill has also become known to residents as The Front Line in the drugs war.

In the past few weeks the close-knit neighbourhood has also been rocked by violent outbursts, including a stabbing in Dolphin Court and the death of dad of four Lemy Bullock.

Now residents say they have had enough and they want action to clean up the streets once and for all.

Yesterday, more than 30 people gathered in Commercial Road in a show of strength.

"The situation in Pill over the last few months has been like a boiling pot and it feels like we are waiting for it to explode," said local businesswoman Ann Barton.

"It's because of everything, an accumulation of everything, not just the drug dealing, but lots of issues: drug dealing, crime generally.

"I have been involved in Pill for 21 years and I feel strongly about the area and the people here are like a family. This is splitting Pill in two and it just has got to stop. Enough is enough."

She added the turnout yesterday had shown the community spirit: "If we stick together then maybe we can do something we wouldn't be able to do on our own."

One resident added: "It's getting like Harlem." Councillor Jones said parts of Commercial Road should be demolished and private houses built, including starter homes.