TOWN police have launched a crackdown on stores and off-licenses which sell alcohol to underage drinkers.

The move follows complaints about groups of youths gathering in the town causing anti-social behaviour.

Police officers have been carrying out test purchases to try and find those responsible for selling the alcohol, as well as reminding storeowners of their responsibilities.

Inspector Steve Brooker, of Droitwich police, highlighted the problem and the recent police crackdown at Monday's town council meeting.

"We are now carrying out test purchases in Droitwich and will prosecute people responsible for selling alcohol to underage children," he warned.

The crackdown follows complaints from residents about the issue. According to one town councillor, underage drinking is a big problem amongst crowds which meet at Vines Park, off the Saltway.

Councillor John Cook (Lab-West Droit) told the Advertiser that residents from the bungalows in nearby Vines Lane are concerned that the problem is getting out of hand.

"Most of the youngsters that gather there are 14 and 15-years-old. They are too young to be drinking," said Cllr Cook.

"They gather on dark nights and this can be intimidating for some residents. A lot of the time they are drinking very strong alcohol, such as vodka," he added.

The issue of where the underage drinkers get their alcohol from is a worry.

"Shops in Droitwich must be selling alcohol to underage youths or know where the drink is going to end up," said Cllr Cook.

"This is something the police need to look into because it is fuelling their behaviour and is very irresponsible."

A Droitwich police spokesman said complaints about anti-social behaviour in Vines Park and the Vines Lane area received in July, August and September were attended and investigated by officers.

"Regular and periodic patrols have also been undertaken and the necessary action taken when appropriate. This, however, is a public area and youngsters naturally do congregate there.

"A number of teenagers have had their names and addresses taken and we have then been in touch with their parents about their youngsters' current behaviour and how we expect them to behave in the future.

"The majority of young people involved in these incidents are 16 or younger. We would ask all parents of similarly aged youngsters to be sure that they know where their children are and what they are doing.

"Owners and managers of off-licence premises in the area are regularly visited and reminded to ensure that their customers are all over the legal age limit to purchase alcohol," added the spokesman.