AN ESTATE where drugs are swapped for sex will become a "slum" if authorities ignore warnings, it is feared.

Neighbourhood Watch representative Mike Reeve,who has lived in Mackenzie Way, Gravesend, for 24 years, is worried anti-social youngsters will destroy the area.

The father-of-four claims residents have reported girls engaging in sex acts in exchange for drugs and says vandalism and intimidation are on the rise.

The retired publisher organised a meeting of residents, councillors and police in a bid to deal with the problems.

However, he was not satisfied with the outcome.

Mr Reeve, 59, said: "We wanted them to be made aware of this.

"Residents have made so many complaints they are blue in the face but nothing effective gets done.

"They didn't bring forward any real solutions and told us to keep complaining.

"If they don't get a grip it will turn into a slum."

Residents are now calling for a dispersal order covering Mackenzie Way, Virginia Walk and Ifield Way to deal with the problems.

Mr Reeve said: "None of the councillors for this ward live on the estate.

"If they had first-hand experience they may take it more seriously. We get the impression nobody wants to get their hands dirty."

Ward councillor Ernest Brook attended the meeting in Ifield Way on November 22, along with about 30 residents.

Cllr Brook said: "I don't take anything lightly and know where all the trouble areas are.

"I'm always going to the police with problems.

"The council has taken action on two individuals in the past few months. It was the police who said they should keep complaining."

Inspector Tracey Billanie, of the north Kent crime reduction unit, also attended the meeting.

She said: "A lot of incidents have gone unreported. I urge residents who do not already do so to start reporting incidents. Only when we've a clear picture of the problems can we start to take further action."