A BUDLEIGH Salterton resident vented his anger over rumours a drug addict was moving to the town by posting flyers throughout the area.

A BUDLEIGH Salterton resident vented his anger over rumours a drug addict was moving to the town by posting flyers throughout the area.

But Budleigh police slammed the resident's actions as 'completely over exaggerating the issue' when the town's officers were criticised by the same person for failing to cope with the situation.

Budleigh Salterton neighbourhood beat manager PC David Lea said officers had been working behind the scenes to prevent the move from taking place.

PC Lea urged residents not to take matters into their own hands when faced with concerns over the town.

He said the police were working hard to retain Budleigh's low crime rates.

PC Lea said: "The fact was that both PCSO Malcolm Maguire and myself had been working on this issue for some time for the good of both the residents of Budleigh Salterton and the tenant at Exmouth.

"The issue is now resolved and the tenant in question will not be moving to this area.

"I would ask that if anyone has any questions with our capability of dealing with policing issues then speak to us before taking independent action which could jeopardise a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

"On a similar vain a number of anti-social behaviour complaints have been received regarding one resident in High Street.

"I have recently served the resident what is called the 'first letter' in the escalation process which could lead to an ASBO."

The flyers posted around the town highlighted the proposed move to Moormead and raised concerns over the location, which is close to St Peter's Primary School.

PC Lea said: "It was never going to be an issue. There was a strong feeling of concern raised that that the police wouldn't be able to cope with the issue, which wasn't the case.

"It was exaggerated beyond all reasonable means.