A NEW group of volunteers has vowed to clean up a Stourbridge park plagued by vandalism and drug dealing.

The Friends of Swan Pool Park say the time has come to tackle anti-social behaviour including late-night underage drinking and dog fouling at the South Road site.

The group held their first meeting on Saturday May 25 and launched their campaign with a call for authorities to play their part in ridding the area of yobs.

Margot James, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge, said: "The first thing that needs to be done is to get police and council staff to have much more of a presence in and around the park, the area needs to be cleared of drinkers and drug takers and then the friends can get on with making the desired improvements."

The new group hopes to emulate the success of a similar organisation covering near-by Mary Stevens Park, which has already provided major new play facilities and is currently working on ambitious plans for a cafe development in the popular recreation area.

Norton councillor Mike Attwood said: "With a proper structure and regular meetings the Friends will be able to access the funding they need to restore Swan Pool Park to its proper place of being a real and valued community resource for law abiding local residents."

The Friends will also be aiming to upgrade play facilities for youngsters improve shabby changing facilities for football teams playing on the pitches in the park.