The call came in a hard-hitting report compiled by the MP based on seven months research in the constituency’s six schools presented to the Prince of Wales, visiting a groundbreaking youth centre in Shard End.

Liam’s report showed:

• 67% of young people rated the availability of facilities ‘not very good’ or
‘very bad’
• Just 2% thought the facilities for things to do were ‘excellent’

When asked their top priorities:

• 22% of young people in Hodge Hill highlighted learning new skills
• Drama/art was the top priority for 21% of the area’s young people
• 13% wanted improved football facilities
• 10% prioritised better volunteering opportunities

Liam said:

“The Prince of Wales has today shown us what’s possible. This is a brilliant centre for young people built by young people.”

“What this report demonstrates is how desperately needed these facilities are across Hodge Hill.”

Click here to see Prince Charles' video diary of his visit.

The call came as the MP launched a public campaign for his three point 'action on drugs' plan - and as new results show the West Midlands are lagging behind other regions in curbing the menace of crack dens.

Liam launched the campaign following high-level meetings with the Pakistani Anti-Narcotics Minister in Islamabad last week - and as local agencies agreed to take a comprehensive look at how to combat the drugs menace in the district.

Nearly 30 per cent of heroin in Britain is thought to be trafficked through Pakistan. Liam used the trip to confirm plans to provide helicopters to Pakistani drug busters to patrol their frontier with Afghanistan.

Liam said:

“Drugs is a global business but frankly there's more we can do locally. That means action against street dealers, faster action on crack houses - and better support for addicts to help them kick the habit.

“I'm very pleased the police and drug action teams are using government money to look again at the right strategy for Hodge Hill. But we need the answers fast.

“It’s not just local action we need but international steps are needed too. In my meetings in Pakistan we discussed the importance of tight cooperation between our countries if we're to close down the traffickers. That's why we're providing concrete help like helicopters.”

Liam's action plan demands:

1. A fresh look and a thorough assessment of what's needed to tackle the drugs menace in Hodge Hill

2. Immediate action to target hot-spots, and tackle street dealing crack houses

3. An expansion of support to help addicts kick the habit.