New ‘single point of contact’ website & phone number launched to report discarded drugs paraphernalia

Police and North Wales councils have launched a single point of contact website and phone number for members of the public to report discarded needles and other drugs paraphernalia.

A new website – www.drugslitterline.org.uk has been created in partnership with police, the six North Wales local authorities and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board – although Wrexham Council have not told us anything about it.

A Freephone number 0808 808 2276 is available 24/7 for all residents and visitors to North Wales to report drugs litter which requires removal from public places.

The new reporting process is also being supported by new leaflets advising the public what they should and can do if they find any litter and how they report it.

North Wales Police Community Safety Sergeant, Beth Jones said: “In North Wales we are endeavouring to reduce the risk from discarded needles and syringes by raising public awareness.”

“Whilst North Wales is still a very safe place to live and visit, there are occasions when drugs litter is discarded and does need to be removed to prevent any harm.

“This is a multi-agency initiative which is designed to make the process easier and is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.”

Tracy Griffiths, Acting Substance Misuse Service Manager for BCUHB, said:
“We are pleased to be able to work with North Wales Police and our Local Authority partners to host this new service, which will make it much easier for the general public to report drug litter across North Wales.”

Yesterday morning we asked Wrexham Council if they were open for comment on the new line, and if it replaced the local ‘needle hotline’ that only had 40 calls in a year.

We have not had a response.

Top pic: via lintvwdtn