Local councillor calls for action after 200 syringes found in alley near Rhosddu park

Calls have been made for safer places for drug users to dispose of needles after 200 were discovered in an alley near a children’s play area.

Dozens of discarded syringes were found in the passage, which is close to Rhosddu Park near Wrexham town centre.

They were removed by county councillor Marc Jones (Plaid) on Saturday after Wrexham Council staff told the resident who reported the issue they were unable to assist because of the items being left on private land.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board currently operates an exchange scheme whereby thousands of needles are handed out to drug users in the county every year.

The initiative is designed to reduce the risk of infection and injury.

However, Cllr Jones said while he understood the reasons behind it, he felt the health board should take action to ensure syringes are not discarded in public places.

Speaking at the weekend, he said: “I spent part of this morning cleaning up a back alley in the ward littered with more than 200 needles and other drug paraphernalia.

“The mess was reported by a local resident and, as it’s private property, the council will not clean up.

“As it’s close to where kids use the Rhosddu Park play area, I’d rather we clean it up, make it safe and worry about the ownership later.

“The health board hands out needles on the basis that it prevents diseases spreading.

“I agree with this but expecting people leading chaotic lives to dispose of needles safely is irresponsible. The back alley is testament to that.

“Safer places are needed, both for the community and users.”

Cllr Jones has now written to the chair of the health board asking him to take more responsibility for where the syringes end up.

He said the board should work jointly with Wrexham Council and North Wales Police to tackle the problem.

Cllr Jones added that current waiting times for rehabilitation services were too long.
In response, Betsi Cadwaladr officials said they actively working to encourage drug users to be more responsible.

Carole Evanson, head of operations and service delivery for regional specialist services said: “One discarded needle is one too many, which is why we actively encourage drug users to return their used injecting equipment not only to protect themselves, but their friends, family and the wider community.

“Our Outreach Harm Reduction Team work proactively in local communities to promote responsible behaviour and to educate and empower individuals to undertake safer behaviours and lead healthier lifestyles.

“Don’t forget that you can report drugs litter in a public place at any time by calling Freephone 0808 808 2276 or by visiting www.drugslitterline.org.uk, and the authorities will remove it as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, Wrexham Council has confirmed its staff are not required to collect drug paraphernalia from private land.

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, said a special task force was set up by the council’s safeguarding committee last year to look at the problem.

He added that it was the responsibility of the landowner to restrict access and dispose of drug litter on their land.

He said: “The council does have enforcement powers to prosecute landowners that allow litter to accumulate on their property, and this can be actioned by the public protection department.

“A lot of work has been undertaken in this area as part of a multi-agency approach by the safeguarding committee.

“I would ask Cllr Jones to contact the community safety section of the council if he has any concerns going forward, to or ask the committee for an update on the recommendations.”

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).