RESIDENTS want a cut-through near their homes blocked off to drive out youths who are vandalising their gardens.

Open plan gardens in Marsh Avenue in Warndon Villages are falling prey to youths using the cut through from Plough Croft to get from "old" Warndon to parks in the Villages and other hang-outs.

Residents complained of trespassing, thefts from gardens and vandalism, from smashing plant pots to stealing lights and bikes, at last night's meeting of Warndon Parish Council.

"If you close the cut through they will have to stick to the main roads where they are more likely to be seen," said resident Derek Murray.

He added that residents had taken to photographing the youths to act as a deterrent.

Intimidated

"Lots of people are taking photos of them," said Mr Murray.

"There are flashes all the time which let them know they are being watched."

Not only is it the petty crimes but residents are also intimidated by the gangs of youths.

"I confronted one who was only about 13 or 14 who had a can of lager in his hand and I felt sure he was going to hit me," said resident Jayne Price.

"We just want that cut-through closed," said Andrew Price.

Members of the parish council said they did not have the power to do that but urged all residents to write to their ward councillors, Worcester City Council and to their MP and promised to do the same.

County Councillor John Buckley said most of the problems were caused by a minority of trouble-makers.

"A lot of the youths out there are just as angry as you are because the wrong people are hanging around and they are getting the blame," he said.

Coun Buckley added the problem was that no provisions had been made for teenagers when Warndon Villages were designed and building something like a youth shelter could make a difference.

No comment was available from the city council as the Evening News went to press.