Neighbours on a “lovely, close-knit” estate are pulling together to resist drug dealers they say are “preying on” vulnerable young people.

Ash Close, Edgware, has seen fights, knife threats and vandalism as a result of illegal drug-related activity, residents claim.

One car stands with its rear window smashed, obscenities sprayed across its bodywork and its number plate singed.

The dealers are living on the estate, according to neighbours and many of their customers are teenagers or people with mental illnesses who are being “exploited and preyed upon”.

Estate resident representative Terry Wyse wants to hold a meeting for police, officials and residents to “cast the problem out”.

Mr Wyse, 71, is trying to get the young tenants buying the drugs to come forward and help themselves “before it is too late”.

The factory union veteran said: “We will not stand for this kind of criminality on our lovely, close-knit estate – these people have been given a home and are abusing this privilege to damage our community.

“I have gone up against bigger enemies in my time and won so I am asking residents of Ash Close and areas nearby to join me in taking a stand – we will not tolerate this.

“Young people with bright futures but troubled backgrounds are being abused by these people – those buying the drugs should be aware they might lose their home if they are caught.

“I would ask those buying drugs to come to me or to come forward to police so we can catch out these dealers and you can improve your situation before it is too late.

“I would like to get everyone together at a big meeting – tenants, police, council officials, the housing association – and hash out a solution so we can cast this problem out.”

Mr Wyse also met representatives from local police, housing association Habinteg and Hale ward councillor Hugh Rayner to discuss solutions to the problem.

Police were apparently reluctant to act without solid evidence and asked people in the estate to be mindful of their safety if they try to collect proof.

Cllr Rayner said: “Residents’ safety is the priority, do not do something which puts your wellbeing at risk to collect evidence.

“Keep your distance and stay vigilant – report anything you see to the police and let them handle it from there.

“I will be working within the council to see what we can do to help and I will stay in touch with residents to keep an eye on the situation.”

It is thought one of the dealers has already done jail time, though this could not be confirmed.

Police can be contacted on the non-emergency 101 number if any wrongdoing is witnessed, or on 999 in an urgent situation.