DRUG dealers and addicts have been driven out of a Suffolk community in a major vcitory for campaigners, The Evening Star can reveal today.A drugs den outside a popular Ipswich playgroup has today been reduced to a heap of rubble.

DRUG dealers and addicts have been driven out of a Suffolk community in a major vcitory for campaigners, The Evening Star can reveal today.

A drugs den outside a popular Ipswich playgroup has today been reduced to a heap of rubble.

Now pre-school youngsters won't have to dodge drug addicts or watch out for used syringes as they play outside.

It's the end of a nightmare for Toybox pre-school manager Sandra Baker, thanks to publicity from The Evening Star and pressure from a local councillor.

The garages, in Gatacre Road, were pulled down after hypodermic needles were left scattered outside, dangerously close to the nursery in the same street.

Mr Baker said: "We were really pleased to get the garages knocked down and haven't seen a single needle or drug user since they were.

"It all feels a lot safer now and I hope the open space will be used for something positive for the community."

The problem came to light after the nursery was broken into three times within three weeks at the beginning of the year.

Nursery workers have since been trying to raise extra cash to improve security.

Mrs Baker added: "At least something good has come from such a troubling time.

"I would just like to thank everyone who has helped."

Since the Star highlighted the problem offers of help have flooded in.

Among these came the offer of £250 from county councillor Kevan Lim from his neighbourhood budget.

And help has come from further afield. The Carriers Arms, in East Bergholt, iss holding an Easter raffle for the nursery.

Mr Lim said: "It is great that the garages have been pulled down but what is important now is what happens to the open space.

"I will be talking to the borough council about making it into a play area and have put aside some funds to do it."