A protest is to be held this week over the PSNI handling of a feud in the Ards and North Down area.
Independent councillor Steven Irvine is calling on members of the community to join him and others in a protest from the West Winds shops to the PSNI station, saying that there has been a lack of action to deal with drug gangs in the area and that local residents are being held hostage.
He said that following a "peaceful protest" in Newtownards, where illegal plaques were removed, a number of those involved have been arrested.
Read more: North Down Ards feud: Court told five accused have been described as "ringleaders"
He said that this has "demolished hard-built community relationships" and left a lot of anger in the area among residents who feel a drug gang has been allowed to "run wild".
Councillor Irvine said in a statement: "The anger in the community amongst ordinary people is palpable. I have never heard such anger from ordinary men, women and children. They are angry at the injustice, fed up with the PSNI and outraged at how a drugs gang has been allowed to run wild in our community.
"This Friday night at 7pm a community protest will be held in the West Winds against ongoing drug dealing, intimidation and the PSNI’s abject failure to deal with this gang.
"Good, decent law abiding people have had enough and it’s time to once again make our feelings known by peaceful protest.
"It must be emphasised that despite the legitimate anger which has engulfed the local area due to the actions of the PSNI, and the disgust at their ongoing facilitation of a drugs gang parading around in balaclavas, the community MUST remain calm and peaceful and within the law.
"We will hold the PSNI to account & have our voices heard, but we will do this entirely within the law. That is the only way and that message must be heard loud and clear.
"Join us on Friday night to stand against drug dealing, criminality and the PSNI’s appalling treatment of decent people in this community, whilst they facilitate drug gangs."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are aware of a planned protest to be held in Newtownards on Friday and will be monitoring the situation."
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