BEGGING, urinating and binge-drinking "thugs" have been terrorising St John's residents and plaguing a church, a vicar and a councillor have claimed.

If police action is not taken soon residents will take the problems "into their own hands," Worcester City Councillor Gary Kibblewhite has warned.

Residents are so concerned about the drinking, drug taking and vandalism in the area that some are too scared to leave their houses, added the councillor.

"The thugs, as I call them, have caused untold damage to public and private property," he said.

"They drink, or are more often than not drunk, or under the influence of drugs, or both."

And the Rev Christopher Pullin, of St John-in-Bedwardine Church, St John's, said the church was plagued by petty vandals, litter bugs, drunk youths, and even people urinating on the building.

"It's been quite a bad problem really over the last year - last summer it was particularly bad.

"I think it's vile that sometimes on a Saturday night people urinate on the vestry door and on a Sunday morning you get choir members and the like going through it.

"I've a lot of sympathy for genuine alcoholics and down and outs who are obviously vulnerable people.

"However I find young people and their binge drink-down-and-outs, who are obviously vulnerable.

"However I find young people and their binge drinking distressing because it's a symptom of a society where we don't provide positive guidance or role models."

After being stopped in the streets by worried residents asking what could be done, Coun Kibblewhite has written to West Mercia police's chief constable, urging him to take action.

"People have been complaining of violence and harassment when youngsters come up to their faces, wanting money and asking them to buy a drink for them," he said.

In the letter, Coun Kibblewhite asked what could be done about the yobs "terrorising" St John's residents.

A spokesman for South Worcestershire Police warned residents not to take the law into their own hands.

"Anyone who is involved in an incident, or who is a witness to one, should call the police and let them deal with it," he said.

The police can be called on 08457 444888.