A SECURITY fence has been set up around an old church hall where drug addicts used to congregate.

Church leaders say the measure appears to have cut down on anti-social behaviour at the site behind St Clement's Church, in Henwick Road, Worcester.

Drug syringes were found on the floor around the dilapidated parish building.

The Revd Sarah Cottrill, associate priest at St Clement’s Church, said: “The security fencing was completed last Friday afternoon [November 23] and we have already received comments from neighbours to say how pleased they are with the outcome.

"It is early days, but at the moment this seems to have reduced the site being used for anti-social behaviour. We are aware that the sale of the hall is due to be completely very soon.”

The Worcester News previously reported on youths causing trouble at the site in October.

City councillor Richard Udall said: "We were aware the area was being used for anti-social activities.

"The owners of the site have kindly erected the fencing. There was illegal entry to the building, there was a hole in the roof, and there was illegal activity taking place inside.

"Because it was insecure people were at risk. There was also drug use around the building.

"A number of people reported it to me when it was unprotected. Each has come back to say how pleased they are with the fence. People felt intimidated."

Cllr Udall said the property used to be St Clement's School and later turned into the church hall, although it has been vacant for around five years.

A local resident previously said youths were getting intoxicated on alcohol and drugs behind the church.

They added: "In the last month and a half I've seen needles, spoons and foil there. I saw two people, a male and a female, completely out of it. They couldn't speak.

"The churchyard is a cut-through for school children, families and dog walkers and having discarded needles on the floor poses a real health and safety risk.

"I think the building needs to be secured, something needs to be put in place to deter people from hanging out there. CCTV or police patrols."

The Diocese of Worcester worked with its property agents to ensure the developer purchasing the site put up the security fencing.