A PROBLEM with drug abuse on a Redditch estate has been significantly reduced after a police operation was launched two months ago.

The move followed calls from residents and councillors, who were complaining about the stairwells and lobbies in Woodrow Centre being used as a base for youths to take drugs.

Police stepped up patrols in the area and warned anyone found using drugs or taking part in anti-social behaviour would be arrested.

Beat manger for the south police sector, Pc Neville Patterson, said: "We have paid extra attention to the area and the problem appears to have eased.

"Since we have been carrying out patrols in the centre, we have not found any evidence of drug taking.

"We have also not had as many calls from residents - we have noticed a definite reduction in the number of complaints."

Pc Patterson said the operation would be on-going, despite the problems being reduced and work was still taking place to improve the centre.

He said: "I have met with Redditch Council officers to discuss things we can do, such as blocking off stairwells, improving lighting and generally making the centre less appealing for youths."

And Pc Patterson urged residents with any concerns or quality of life issues to continue to call the police.

Anyone with information can call police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.