OFF licences in the south west of Redditch are operating an over-21s policy in an attempt to help police combat underage drinking.

Earlier this month, the Redditch Advertiser reported the problem police were having with under 18s drinking alcohol and causing trouble.

The situation eased for a while but Pc Richard Waterhouse, of Crabbs Cross police station, said underage drinking was still proving to be a big problem for them.

He said: "The off-licences in Headless Cross, Crabbs Cross and Astwood Bank have agreed to operate an over 21s policy.

"The problem is older teenagers who are 18 and 19 are going in and buying alcohol and then passing on to the underage drinkers.

"But the shopkeepers and staff don't know that is what they are doing but they have said they will only sell alcohol to over 21s to make it a lot harder for the kids to get hold of."

"We are very pleased they have responded in such a way."

Pc Waterhouse said the policy was only temporary but the police wanted to nip the problem in the bud before the long summer holidays began.

He added: "Hopefully, this should reduce the problem. We will still be targeting the areas where the youngsters hang around and carrying out high profile policing.

"All these youngsters seem to want to do is get drunk. Then they cause a nuisance, create damage and vandalise."

Pc Waterhouse said anyone under 18 found drinking would have the alcohol seized and thrown away.