A MAJOR police operation to rid the streets of Calne and Chippenham of drug dealers had resulted in eight people from the area pleading guilty to drugs offences.

More than 70 police officers were involved in the operation, codenamed Claire, that took nine months to plan and culminated in 7am raids on ten homes in Calne and two addresses in Chippenham.

Sergeant Nic Shorten, of Calne police, said: "We hope that this will be a stepping stone in improving the lives of the residents.

"I hope that people will take reassurance in that Wiltshire Police has not given up on the fight against this evil trade."

Eight people from Calne and Chippenham admitted drug charges when they appeared before magistrates. They were: Lindsey Adams, of Highgrove Close, Calne, ten charges of supplying heroin; Adam Bainbridge, 26, of Sprays Farm, Calstone, four charges of supplying heroin; Shane Selfe, 32, of Abberd Way, Calne, one charge of supplying heroin and one charge of possession.

Al Holder, 28, of Greenway Court, Chippenham, one charge of allowing his premises to be used for the supply of heroin and attempted supply of heroin; Craig Haines, 20, of Blake House, Calne, six charges of possession and supply; Sean Collins, 29, of Chamberland Court, Calne, six charges relating to the supply of drugs; Debbie Jarvis, 18, of Fitzmaurice Square, Calne, two charges of supplying drugs and one of attempting to dispose of stolen goods; Lynette Henderson, 36, of Kingsley Road, Chippenham, one charge of supplying heroin.

Patrick Button, 27, of Colerne Close, in Calne, denied two charges of supplying drugs; Christopher Bambrough, 32, of Bank Row, Calne, denied two supply charges; Rex Jackett, 22, of Abberd Way, Calne, gave no plea to 13 counts of supplying heroin; Maurice Barr, 36, of Bank Row, Calne, gave no plea to three supply charges.