A series of robberies and assaults in Sandys Parish has left local businessmen and residents in fear.

Some worried shop owners declined to discuss their feelings about the recent crime wave although it is understood that at least one storeowner has been robbed but chose not to report it to Police.

Residents continue to be concerned about a group of unemployed young men who hang out near the Somerset Cricket Club and ride their cycles up and down Broome Street and Scott's Hill Road.

And they feel that drug addiction is at the root of the community's problem.

"Guys are carrying knives and machetes,'' said local resident Arthur Isaacs, 46. "I've been here three years but the white girl (cocaine) has made people different. Those who can't control their craving must have it.'' Mrs. Cheryl Martins, manager of the Somerset Pharmacy, was one of the few members of the local business community prepared to comment on the problem.

She said that the store had taken steps to alter their routine in a bid to combat crime.

"I've been here seven-and-a-half years and things do leave a lot to be desired. We have no routine in our store. That way we hope to avoid any problems.

"But we're not worried sick because business is better than last year.'' Others questioned whether the movement of the young men from their old haunt -- the Royal Naval Field -- had helped the community deal with its problems.

Mr. Dennis Lister PLP MP for Sandys North, who was part of the community push to clean up the Royal Naval Field three years ago, conceded that while important, the effort fell short.

"The clean-up should have been just one step in the process that led to other things such as programmes which would have targeted those young men who want help,'' he said.

"But at the time there were those who felt that clearing the trees was the be-all and end-all.'' Businesses and local residents are apparently not alone in their concern about the growing problem of crime in Somerset.

The Royal Gazette understands that two members of the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church have told their minister they do not feel safe because they fear a group of young men who congregate near the church.

However, Police community relations spokeswoman Insp. Roseanda Jones said that Police have been patrolling the Sandys community regularly and she asked anyone with problems to contact their parish constables.

Yet according to PLP MP Mr. Walter Roberts, the lack of proper policing is also a problem.

"Sandys has grown as people move into the area,'' he said. "But the Police have not kept up with the times. I am alarmed at the increased crime and violence but there are people in the community who are working on solutions.'' However, neighbourhood watch groups and anti-drug committees are not enough for one 78-year-old Scott's Hill Road grandfather who spoke under the condition of anonymity.

"We have come too far too fast,'' he said. "I've lived in Somerset for more than 70 years but these young men don't have jobs. Many have skills as carpenters, electricians and masons but they cannot find work.

"It does no good to complain to Government because the world is changing and there is less of a need for tradesmen today compared to when I was a boy.

"But not everybody can go to university. The problem is that our economy cannot absorb these guys and for that we are all paying.''