WORRIED parents have taken action to stop drug dealers hanging around schools in Droitwich.

They have joined the local housing association, schools and the police to form a special task force specifically aimed at the problem of drug use and begging.

The task force will give people the chance to discuss what can be done about the people who hang around to push drugs when youngsters finish school.

The idea was proposed at the last meeting of neighbourhood action group the Westlands Forum.

Residents whose children go to Westlands First School and those living near the precinct area went to the meeting and expressed concerns that the problem was getting worse.

Westlands Forum chairman Coun Roy Seabourne 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."

Insp 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 regularly and work in a partnership rather than fight the war themselves."