A group of parents from a troubled Wilmslow estate have taken the war on drugs into their own hands – with a hard-hitting poster campaign.

The group from Colshaw Farm Estate, who have not revealed their identities for fear of retaliation have been displaying their posters appealing for residents to report ‘wannabe gangsters’.

One parent said: "We are putting up these signs to stand against drug dealers.

"We are good people trying to live in a nice place. They are stealing from our children and making them carry drugs for them."

But she said the posters they placed on bus stops and phone boxes are being torn down repeatedly.

Colshaw residents are supportive – but many believe the appeal won’t work because of a widespread fear of reprisals.

Doreen Hallows, 72, is chairman of the Colshaw Estate Tenants and Residents Association.

The great-grandmother said: "It’s a good idea but I don’t think it will work to be honest. People are scared of reprisals. I haven’t come across any drug problems myself but I’ve heard a lot of stories."

Mum-of-one Samantha Cheetham, 24, said: "I think it’s a good idea especially because of people like me who have young ones – it’s not nice when the gangs gather round, we just don’t feel comfortable.

"But I don’t think it will work, people are just too scared to go ahead and say anything."

Another resident of the estate, 77, who didn’t want to be named, added: "We know there’s a problem with drugs on the estate – I was walking to the shops the other day and a gang of lads started cycling around me. I wouldn’t report it for fear of repercussions."

Grandfather-of-two David Jones, a former park-keeper of Edlestone Road, joined the doubters. He said: "If a drug dealer found out you’d reported them they’d take your arms off.

"The trouble is that the police do a good job but then the courts let them down and the drug dealers are just let out on the streets again.

"Having said that, this estate has a stinking rotten reputation, but it’s not deserved."

The fear factor was raised again by Alan, 52. He said: "People are too intimidated to say anything.

"The problem is that the kids here aren’t getting jobs, they’ve nothing to do and then they turn to the gang culture for support. With the economy the way it is, it’s a vicious circle. What can you do?"

Neil Ellwood, in charge of the Criminal Justice team for Cheshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, said: "We want families to know that there are services here to assist individuals or their carers who want help and support to beat their addiction.

"We know that drug activity is a concern to local residents."

The poster reads:

‘People of Wilmslow we have had enough of the drug dealers, wannabe gangsters intimidating, stealing from our husbands, kids, friends and neighbours.

If you know when and where they are dealing or supplying please let’s all stand together as one. We can get them out of Wilmslow. We all know who they are.

The only way to deal with these people is to name and shame them.

It could be a member of your family they hurt next so give names and addresses to the local authorities’