THE chairman of a Droitwich Spa community group is concerned about head lice outbreaks at a town school.

David Simones-Jones, who leads Westlands Action for Residents and Tenants (WART), said the problem at Westlands First School, in Farmers Way, must be addressed.

"My six-year-old daughter attends the school and has come home with nits six or seven times since last September," said the Farrier's Square resident.

"The school does try to tackle the problem and sends letters home when head lice are found.

"However, we need inspections at the school and other parents must help by treating their children. Lots of people on the estate are very worried," he added.

Westlands First School headteacher Pam Tildesley said: "Whenever head lice are found among pupils we warn parents and send out the latest advice given to us by the health authority.

"Health chiefs clearly state that this is a community problem - not just a school problem - that can only be eradicated if everyone takes action. I'm a mum myself and I've had to repeatedly check my sons through their school life."

"I do sympathise at the frustration parents feel when children keep getting head lice."

Mrs Tildesley said treatments did not have to be expensive.

"Parents are advised to shampoo their child's hair, then add conditioner and go through the hair with a fine tooth comb.

"This should be repeated for ten days," she added.