TACKLING drugs, crime and vandalism in Pershore will be the aim of parents, police, councillors and an MP due to meet later this week.

Chaired by Sir Michael Spicer MP, the Striving Against Drugs group meeting will give people the chance to hear ideas from West Mercia Police, Turning Point, county councillors, youth services and south Worcestershire's primary care trust.

And bringing full time counselling services into the town is one of the main initiatives suggested by SAD - Pershore's self help support group for parents and families affected by drugs.

"We have successfully launched a number of initiatives, but eventually we would like a permanent base for counselling services in Pershore," said Trudy Burge, Wychavon district councillor and SAD secretary.

"Currently, anyone with drug problems has to travel to Worcester, which can be difficult if people do not have their own transportation. It is an idea we will be putting to residents."

Coun Burge is hoping people will attend the meeting on Friday, April 12 to help create a two-way flow of information between local authorities and residents.

SAD will also be outlining its achievements during the last 18 months, which include delivering drug abuse leaflets to every house in Pershore -- to allow parents to recognise the telltale signs of drug abuse.

The group also set up a once-a-week Turning Point counselling service for people coping or living with drug abuse which gathers in Evesham's Riverside Centre every Wednesday between 4pm-6pm.

"We can see the problems we have in and around the town and we would like to expand on our current services. It is all about education and prevention - targeting any potential problems before they occur," said Coun Burge.

The meeting will be held at Cherry Orchard First School, Cherry Orchard, Pershore, from 7.30pm.