RESIDENTS of a Worcester suburb say they are put off visiting a local play park after finding drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Lighters, tobacco pouches, cigarette butts, lager cans, baggies and bags of marijuana are just some of the things residents claim are being left behind in Aldersley Park in St Peter's.

One resident who does not wish to be named for fear of retribution said: "It is really sad to see. There are all sorts of things scattered in and around the park. It is supposed to be a place where children can play. People obviously just don't care about kids. I wouldn't want my children usinf that area with what has been left behind, I'd be very wary of them picking something up.

"It has been an ongoing issue here for the last few months, I think it has been worst this last week or so. Something needs to be done."

When a reporter visited the park, a dad playing with his children said last week he had found a 'big bag of weed' just left on the table.

Worcester City Councillor Steve Mackay who represents St. peter's Parish said he had reported the issue to the safer neighbourhood team and hopes they will take action against the offenders.

He said: "This problem has only been brought to my attention over the weekend. We have never had issues like this in this particular park. It is very concerning that public spaces are being misused this way when it should be a safe place for children to play.

"I have reported it to the safer neighbourhood team and hopefully they will step up patrols and the offenders will be sanctioned accordingly."

Last year we reported on concerns over laughing gas cannisters being found in parks across the city.

Multiple councillors and the police warned of the dangers of the drug, urging people to be sensible and 'not play Russian roulette with their lives.'

Is drug use an issue in your local park?

Let us know by contacting reporter, Jemma Bufton.