PARENTS in Worcester have hit back at suggestions that their teenagers are "out of sight and out of mind."

They say the majority of youngsters are accounted for, but are prompting concerns because of a lack of facilities in Warndon Villages.

And they are calling for urgent action to find the estate's teenagers their own youth club.

Around eight parents have formed a group to press for funding. They say the Lyppard Grange Community Centre is unsuitable because there are so many activities held there.

One member, mother-of-two Jean Terry, said parents were angered by beat manager PC John McManus's claims - reported in the Evening News this week - that their attitude was "out of sight and out of mind".

The problem was raised at a meeting of Warndon Parish Council.

"We've asked PC McManus for meetings several times in the past, but he's never returned our phone calls or been in touch," claimed the 38-year-old.

"We're trying to do something for the kids here. This is a huge estate, but there's virtually nothing for them. How many houses were here before they built a school?"

Mrs Terry, whose sons are aged 11 and 15, admitted estate teenagers who hang around a gazebo near to the Tesco supermarket were "no angels".

"But this idea that they're out of control has been exaggerated. Most parents know where their kids are and you wouldn't see many out after 10pm."

Another parent, Nigel Hutchins, said Warndon Villages had expanded rapidly over the last 10 years with no provision for the thousands of children growing up on it.

But PC McManus said he had never received an invitation, and had in fact been advised to stay away from early meetings.

He said he had been told that it was thought the meetings would be less inhibited if the police were not involved.

"I would be happy to meet parents if they want to," he added.

One option under consideration at Monday night's meeting of Warndon Parish Council was to demolish the gazebo where teenagers congregate.

Parish council chairman Bunny Clutterbuck said there were currently no plans for a purpose-built youth facility, but a football pitch was in the pipeline.

"There is a youth club at Lyppard Grange, but the problem is you get the wrong types going who create havoc," he added.