DISCARDED needles found in a play park have raised fears for the safety of young children.

After drug paraphernalia was discovered in Liden Green Play Park, councillor Kevin Parry (Con, Covingham & Dorcan) said he is deeply concerned for young children playing in the area.

“When you go to a play park as a family you shouldn’t have to worry about your child hurting themselves when they are running around,” he said.

“It makes you feel unsafe. I don’t want a child to run over and injure themselves on needles which someone has thoughtlessly discarded, it’s not right and it’s not fair.

“The council have cleaned up the needles but it’s a symptom not a problem. These people need to stop what they are doing.”

Coun Parry said: “I have a very clear message to the people doing this, stop using these parks for drug taking.

"These are parks are for children to play freely without harm and I will do all I can with the police to keep these areas safe.

“This is not acceptable, you cannot be taking drugs in a children’s play park."

Coun Parry said he was alerted to the problem by Liden residents following the discovery of needles in Eldene. He believes immediate action is needed to stop the problem escalating.

“Liden Green Play Park was refurbished and since then it has been a safe play to play. But this problem is something that is spreading outwards and it has to be stopped,” he said.

“Every child deserves a safe, clean, fun place to play outside, and Liden Green should be all those things.

“I am really concerned I am really worried that if more are left, a young child might pick one up.

“It is something that is of concern to local residents, people have been very worried about what is going on in the park and of course worried about the safety of their children as they play."

Together with community beat manager Rachel Barnett, Coun Parry said they were committed to halting instances of drug use in the play park.

“We are working in partnership and we want this to link with drug counselling services in the town such as contact Swindon & Wiltshire Alcohol & Drug Service (SWADS) to ensure these people get the help they need.

“I would also urge any member of the public with any information to come forward so we can combat this situation.”

For information visit swads.org.uk, email info@swads.org.uk or call 01793 695405.

Councillor Emma Faramarzi, cabinet member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “The council works closely with the police and we use our resources such as CCTV where appropriate to deter criminal activity such as drug taking.

"We encourage more residents to use our parks and play areas more often as this is the best means of deterring those with criminal intent.

“May I stress that the council is not responsible for the drug dealers or the people who leave needles lying around. It is the irresponsible and criminal elements of our society who should be blamed.”

Councillor Brian Mattock, cabinet member for Adult Health and Social Care added: “As a council we know that the best solution is to help bring people away from their addiction.

"In Swindon we have a very active Swindon Treatment and Recovery Service provided by CGL and anyone seeking advice or support can contact them on 01793 611870.

"We would advise people using needles to use the Swindon needle exchange service via our pharmacies for both their own safety and the safety of our communities.”

Information can also be found on the national ‘Frank’ website at www.talktofrank.com