Worcester beauty spot is ‘no-go zone’ because of drug-dealing gangs

As we previously reported, Gorse Hill and Elbury Mount Nature Reserve in Worcester continues to be a hotspot for disorder according to neighbours who are reaching the end of their tether with congregating youths, speeding cars, illegal motorbike riding and drug dealing.

A drive to stamp out anti-social behaviour in the area, which contains the highest point in Worcester and offers spectacular views of the city and the Malvern Hills, led Worcester City Council to believe that anti-social behaviour had reduced in the last year – but residents have told local councillors the problems are far from over.

Grandad Dave Bristow, 69, has lived in the area for 30 years and says he fears taking his grandchildren to the nature reserve.

The retired butcher said: "I walk my dogs up there twice a day but would never go there at night.

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"You see beer and cider cans all over the place. I always think if they can carry them up there full why can't they take them back down empty instead of throwing them everywhere.

FEARS: Grandad Dave Bristow, 69, has lived in the area for 30 years and says he fears taking his grandchildren to the nature reserve (Image: SWNS)

"It's sad really. One of them hacked down a lovely hollyhock flower which was in full bloom and dragged it all down the path. It's just senseless.

"I've got two grandchildren but wouldn't take them up there.

"It's an ideal place for teenagers to meet up where they know they won't find any adults."

FED UP: Car salesman Declan Fitzgerald, 32, said his dog was almost run over by a yob on a motorbike (Image: SWNS)

Car salesman Declan Fitzgerald, 32, said his dog was almost run over by a yob on a motorbike.

He said: "My dog is a rescue dog so is nervous.

"I was walking him on the parkland the other day when a motorbike hared past. It was very scary and intimidating.

"I got chatting to another man who said motorbikes are constantly revving past his house. The situation has got out of hand."

A mum-of-two, who did not want to be named fearing reprisals, said: "The nature reserve used to be lovely, you could take picnics up there and really enjoy the views.

"There might be some litter but nothing like you have now. The place is a magnet for drug dealers who can do their business safely away from CCTV or police.

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"I've known of people who have dared confront the gangs and they got their houses egged overnight.

"What was once a really pleasant area where families and walkers could enjoy is now a no-go zone. The police don't care and the gangs know it. They have made our lives hell."

The council set aside an “indicative” £50,000 to tackle the anti-social behaviour problem in last year’s budget and is still working with Severn Trent Water, which owns an underground reservoir on the site, and Worcestershire County Council to tidy up the green space.