A DISABLED man who vowed to highlight drug problems on a council estate has become the victim of a vicious hate campaign.

Bernard McCartin claims his nightmare began last month after he was threatened by a thug wielding a blow lamp.

After the attack, which came as he made a call to his son from a telephone box, he decided to highlight what he says are serious drug problems on the Brazley estate in Horwich.

But now posters have been plastered across the estate and pushed through letter boxes in what he says is an orchestrated attempt to slur his name.

They feature a picture of Mr McCartin, his address and proclaim "Have you seen this excuse for a man?".

They go on to allege he is a benefits cheat, police informer, alcoholic and compulsive liar, all of which he strenously denies.

Now the 51-year-old anti-drugs campaigner who has lived on the estate for 11 years says he will lodge a harrassment complaint with council officials.

The former special constable, who now suffers with osteo-arthritis, said: "This is a vendetta and it's a defamation of my character.

"It's like water off a duck's back to me. This won't stop me doing what I'm doing in trying to rid this estate of druggies.

"I get a lot of support from people living round here who have all said it's about time that someone stood up against these thugs.

"I just want whoever has done this to get off my back. It doesn't bother me so long as a brick isn't thrown through my window.

"I'll carry on with my fight. If I see druggies on the estate I will shop them, it's as simple as that."

An elderly neighbour - who said she was too scared to give her name for fear of reprisals - said Mr McCartin should be supported in his crusade against the drug dealers.

The pensioner added: "I think these are intimidation tactics and it's absolutely disgusting.

"I think this man needs all our support. I don't want to see this estate turning into Moss Side but these dealers have got everyone scared."

A police spokesman said they had investigated the matter but no-one has yet been charged.

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