'STREET OF FEAR'

Hundreds backing councillor's call for CCTV cameras for crime-plagued road where shoplifters - often on drink or drugs - hang around daily, a police officer was attacked and women and OAPs are scared to venture at night...

- Phil Corrigan

NEARLY 600 people have backed calls to make a crime-plagued Stoke-on-Trent street safer.

Meir North councillor Lauren Davison says residents feel 'unsafe' in Weston Road because of increasing crime, antisocial behaviour and drug abuse.

They have reported drug deals taking place in alleyways, and intoxicated individuals hanging around outside shops on most days. Cllr Davison said one alley off Weston Road was the scene of a 'cowardly attack' on police officers.

A total of 599 people have signed councillor Davison's petition which calls on Stoke-on-Trent City Council to implement measures such as installing more CCTV cameras and better lighting.