DRUG dealers should be kicked out of Worcester's council houses to make way for decent families, the city's MP says.

Mike Foster intends to make drugs one of his key issues during the next couple of months and wants people on the city's estates to blow the whistle on suspected dealers.

He has already been in talks with the city council and intends to meet Supt Simon Adams, of Worcester police, and the health authority.

"It came home to me when, on the campaign trail, a lad of about 21 came up to me and told me: 'Mr Foster, I'm an addict and I need help'," said the MP.

"We must help people with treatment and I'm in favour of putting resources into detoxification.

"But dealers should lose the roof over the heads, because they're profiting in misery. Why should someone stay in a council house, when there are law-abiding people on waiting lists?"

He hoped the threat of eviction would make people think twice and, if someone was moved out of a home, it would break up the social network that encouraged drug use.

"This should apply to anyone who deals in drugs, whether it's a small amount or not," Mr Foster added. "Someone who passes £10 of heroin to a friend is making someone's life hell."

He called on people to call the Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111, and inform on neighbours or alert the city council.