A MUM whose son was bullied has started a new group focussing on ending gangs in Droitwich.
Kelly Tidbury founded the Droitwich Against Gangs Group Everyone Reunited (DAGGER) after her son experienced bullying at the hands of a gang.
The 36-year-old said: "My son was bullied last few years by a group, and this group has created a gang including from outside Droitwich, Kidderminster and Bromsgrove.
"There must be over 30 now, and knives have been involved.
"That started all this off.
"Recently there have been incidents where they have started on some group of kids minding their own business in the park.
"The point of setting this group up was to highlight this is happening in the town, to see if we can get the authorities on board.
"We aren't going to completely stop it, but something needs to be done."
Mrs Tidbury said part of the mission of the group was to look at ways of giving youths something to do, such as a youth club.
"There is a couple of youth club that are located all in one area," Mrs Tidbury said.
"If you are not into a sport there is nothing really for kids aged 11 plus."
The group held a successful first meeting in March which she said had a good turn out.
Mrs Tidbury say the meetings are open to anyone, including people who just wanted to come along and see what was going on.
The latest meeting is being held at the Old Library, Ombersley, at 7.30pm tonight (April 20).
How do I get involved with new group DAGGER?
Mrs Tidbury said meetings are planned to be held fortnightly with details posted in advance on the Facebook group 'DAGGER-Droitwich Against Gangs Group Everyone Reunited' - which has already gained more than 200 members a few weeks since being set up.
The Fernhill Heath resident added that anyone who wants to join the group or find out more can contact her through the Facebook group.
West Mercia Police officer PC Edmunds will be attending along with Droitwich and Wychavon District councillor Richard Morris.
Cllr Morris said although he was not aware of an issue with gangs in the town he was planning to attend the latest meeting.
"I'm about seeing what we can do positively to support youngsters in Droitwich," Cllr Morris said.
"Kelly is keen on getting a town centre youth club, and with the group supporting efforts for that, I'm all for that."
West Mercia Police has been contacted for comment.
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