WORRIED Droitwich residents are calling for a troubled underpass to be closed, claiming it has become a haven for drug users who are peddling to children.

People living near the subway, which runs under Primsland Way close to Rowan Close and Willets Road, say the youths who use it as a late-night meeting place need to be stopped.

Nearby residents, whose gardens back on to the alleyway, claim the noisy youngsters take drugs and play football.

"The problem is very bad at the moment," said one resident, who was too frightened to be named.

"But it isn't uncontrollable and that is why action needs to be taken, before it's too late.

"The only solution I can see is to close the underpass. It's a haven for drug users who have even started offering their drugs to other children in the area, which just isn't on.

"There are a lot of youngsters and elderly people who want to use the underpass but don't because they are too scared to, which just isn't right."

Town councillor Eileen Hope vowed to back her constituents.

"The most frightening thing about this situation is children being offered drugs by these youths," she said.

Trouble

"I know the county council are reluctant to close underpasses, but when people are too scared to use it and it is causing this much trouble, I would hope they would seriously think about it."

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said: "In order to actually close a subway, for whatever reason, we have to follow a set process to ensure the course of action is best for everyone involved.

"These decisions have to be taken in consultation with local members and all interested parties."