WORCESTER police are cracking down on youths drinking themselves "into oblivion" and drug abuse at a city park.

Their action comes as concerned resident Seamus Kelly claims he saw youngsters injecting drugs and becoming drunk in Gheluvelt Park, Barbourne - an alcohol free zone.

According to the 69-year-old, the sight was the last straw after a disheartening afternoon walk through the "neglected" grounds with his wife Christina.

"A boy lay sprawled out on a memorial bench drinking himself into oblivion while two youths injected drugs into their arms by the river," said Mr Kelly.

A Worcester police spokesman said officers had been paying extra attention to the park in recent months.

"We frequently intervene by requesting people to dispose of drink and there have been a number of public prosecutions this year.

"Random patrols of the park will continue and a positive response will be taken to any offending."

Mr Kelly, of Turrall Street, Barbourne, is distraught at the state of the park.

Remembering Gheluvelt as a "joy to visit" a decade ago, he was now horrified by the number of shattered pathways, unplanted flower beds, and park benches and railings covered by weeds.

"The wire mesh surrounding the tennis court was smashed to the ground and the solid fixings bent and twisted," added Mr Kelly, a leading expert on the singer Bing Crosby.

"The display site for resting at the waterworks tower was littered with burnt pieces of wood, slabs were starting to slip and bottles were strewn everywhere."

Worcester City Council parks and cemeteries officer Ian Yates said the introduction of two wardens - who patrol until 9pm - in April was slowly combating vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"We have closed down many popular meeting haunts and the wardens are in the process of gathering intelligence, which we should see the results of shortly.

"In terms of improving the infrastructure, we are applying for a lottery grant later this year which, if successful, will mean a substantial revamp."