HEADLESS Cross residents have blamed drugs users and glue sniffers for hacking down eight trees in a wooded area off Swinburne Road.

They say youths, who use the area near Walkwood Middle School as a den, cut the healthy trees down so they would have easier access to the area.

A resident, who did not want to be named, said: "Cutting down these healthy trees is wanton vandalism.

"We are becoming increasingly concerned that this area is being used for glue sniffing and drug taking. We've seen some of these people who use the den walking around out of their minds because of some form of substance abuse.

"The police are aware of residents' concerns and we're hoping something can be done to stop these people gathering here, it's very worrying for everyone."

A Redditch Council spokesman confirmed the council had had nothing to do with the trees' removal.

PC Terry Roscoe, of Crabbs Cross police, said: "We have been notified of glue sniffing in this area. We have stepped up patrols but, as yet, no one has been caught.

"We have not yet been contacted about the trees and the only reports received by residents have been concerning glue sniffing but we're aware there may be drug taking as well."