A GROUP of concerned residents are taking action in the hope of cleaning up Droitwich Spa's growing drug problem.

Parents of children in the area, members of the Westlands Forum, the local housing association, schools and the police are forming a special task force specifically aimed at the problem of drug use and begging.

The task force, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the Spa, is being formed in response to increased anger about drugs. It will target the people who hang around when youngsters finish school. The group will give people the chance to meet and discuss the issue and also what can be done.

The idea was proposed at the last meeting of the Westlands Forum, which saw a large attendance after a report in the Advertiser highlighting the issue and informing people of when the meeting would take place.

Residents whose children go to Westlands First School and those living near the precinct area attended the meeting and expressed concerns that the problem is getting worse and that something needs to be done.

Councillor Roy Seabourne (Lab-Droitwich West), chairman of the Westlands Forum, said: "We wish to address the joint issue of begging and drug related behaviour.

"We have decided to form a little working group to identify the extent of the problem and then to eradicate it."

A few days before the last meeting, which was held on Monday, March 27, one Spa woman contacted the Advertiser about the issue and claimed that not enough was being done.

It was feared that the drug problem was on the up and that it was becoming too dangerous for children growing up on the Westlands estate. It is now hoped the target group will improve the situation.

Inspector Steve Brooker, of Droitwich police, said: "This is part of an initiative to bring officers closer to the community and work in partnerships and get people moving in the same direction.

"We hope to set this up sooner rather than later. The group will be the first of its kind in Droitwich.

"We hope to get people to meet on a regular basis and work in a partnership rather than fight the war by themselves," he added.