A CASH windfall will be used to help fight the rising tide of crime in Wychavon.

The £23,000 grant from the Government's Safer Communities Initiative will be used to target domestic violence and drug abuse.

It has been awarded to Wychavon Community Safety Partnerships following an audit during which residents were asked to highlight their concerns.

The Crime and Disorder Plan is being launched to deal with these worries following the survey.

Under the plan, special action groups will be formed in Pershore, Droitwich and Evesham to deal with property crime, domestic violence, rural crime and drug and alcohol abuse.

"These funds will make our plans reality," said Wychavon's community safety co-ordinator Alan Paul.

"The partnership will make the most of the money and will use it to maximum effect."