The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Drug users slammed for dropping used needles near footpath
‘Ongoing issue’ with used needles being left on route that children use to get to school
A warning has been issued to Glenrothes residents after used syringes were found near a public footpath.
Peter Scobie, chairman of the Pitteuchar, Stenton and Finglassie Community Council, said three used needles had been recovered in recent weeks.
He has urged drug users to dispose of their equipment responsibly after finding a third one on the town’s Mar Drive last week.
Mr Scobie said: “This is an ongoing issue. We’re finding them right next to public footpaths.
“It’s not as if they’re two or three foot away – they’re right there. Anyone could prick themselves.
“The most recent one that I found last Tuesday on Mar Drive was in an area where half a dozen kids run past to catch the bus up to the school.”
He said another needle was found nearby and a third one was reported by a resident who discovered it close to the
“They should put the used needles in the sharps box they’re given to dispose of them properly. They’re putting people in danger by being so reckless
bridge which crosses from Stenton into Pitteuchar.
“Those are the only ones we know about but that’s not to say that more haven’t been found in the wider area,” he said.
“The first time I found one I called the police and the council to report it and I had men from Fife Council there within 20 minutes.
“The one that was found on July 3, I handed in to the police station.
“The people who are dropping these don’t care where they dispose of them. I would ask them to seriously think about their actions and to stop it.
“They should put the used needles in the sharps box they’re given to dispose of them properly. They’re putting people in danger by being so reckless.”
Jim Leitch, parks, streets and open spaces team manager at Fife Council, said: “We investigated following a couple of recent reports in the Stenton area and didn’t find any evidence of discarded needles but, unfortunately, it does happen from time to time.
“Our operatives look out for them as part of their daily duties and we’d ask people to be vigilant and report any they see by calling 03451 550022.
“We take the issue very seriously and try to be on site to remove needles, syringes and any other drug related items as soon as possible, and within 24 hours of them being reported.
“We also have a process in place to deal with discarded needles outwith normal working hours.”