THERE is an on-going problem with drugs and anti-social behaviour in a village near Worcester.
Residents believe the the area - known as the Rocky in Kempsey, an area around the Hatfield Brook, off Kempsey's Church Street - is being used for anonymous drug delivery drops, as well as being a focal point for anti-social teenagers.
PCSO Martin Butcher, of Kempsey & Alfrick Safer Neighbourhood Team, would not comment on the possible drug drops, but said: “During the Summer of 2018 there were an increasing number of reports of anti-social behaviour by youths in the Rocky, Kempsey and immediate locality.
“Police responded by stepping up foot patrols at relevant times and by liaising with Malvern Hills District Council to install a CCTV camera at the location, which has been operational since January 2019.
“These measures led to a significant reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.”
A woman living on Church Street, Kempsey who does not want to be identified, said: “I’ve been down to the area many times and I’ve cleared up around 29 bags so far, mostly empty, of drug paraphernalia.
“I’ve heard one person shout ‘it’s not here’, while searching in the undergrowth for something, so I think drugs are being dropped off for collection.
“Kids hang around down there smoking what smells like cannabis, smashing glass bottles on a nearby wall that they use for target practice.
“Moving has been an option I’ve considered many times but why should I - this is where I live.
"I've been threatened before and had stones thrown at me - it's intimidating for everyone.
"The increased patrols don't make me feel any safer.
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