Needles on estate
Plans afoot to catch culprits of drug waste:
ACTION is being taken after fears children could come into contact with discarded drug needles found in an area of a city.
The pins were discovered by a resident at the bottom of Penrhyn Avenue, or Maesgeirchen hill, as it is known locally, in Bangor.
Councillor Chris O’Neal, who represents the Marchog ward in Bangor, recently said he was concerned about children picking the needles up and had contacted police about the problem.
Last week, the ward’s other county councillor, Nigel Pickavance, held a meeting with various agencies about the problem, including Gwynedd Council, Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG), and North Wales Police, about how to tackle the problem.
“There has been an increased number of reported needles exposed on the streets of Maesgeirchen and not doing anything about it is not an option” he said.
“Basically, we are asking users to dispose of their needles or else they could face prosecution.
“I feel the meeting was very productive and I am confident that should the various action points be passed and implemented that it could potentially improve the present situation.
“Following lengthy periods of discussion the following was agreed as a way of moving forward.
“CCG will seek to explore the possibility regarding the implementation of needle bins at CCG communal areas, taking advice from Gwynedd Council as to the most appropriate bin type to use.
“Anglesey and Môn Substance Misuse Partnership will work with the various agencies and chemists to educate the registered users as to the process and importance of returning used needles.
“Once an established agreement between the police and CCG has been implemented the misuse partnership will carry out a further awareness programme with the registered users and services regarding the new order put in place for culprits who don’t dispose their needles correctly.
“The police, Gwynedd Council and CCG will Continue negotiating into looking at various ways of identifying the needles including measures never known to have been used previously.
“We wont allow our Children to be at risk from serious injury and measures will be in place to tackle the issue.”
Geraint Jones, CCG’s Neighbourhood Services manager, said: “Members of our Neighbourhood Services team attended the meeting last week.
“We are always keen to work with partners to safeguard these areas and minimise the risk from needles that have been dis- posed of in public areas.
“We have agreed a way forward and closer co-operation with the police.
“We will run a pilot scheme where we’ll investigate evidence presented to us linking any needles found to a CCG tenants or individuals linked to our tenancies, and consider taking action in these cases.”
Cllr John Wynn Jones, Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for environment, said: “As a council, we are aware of recent concerns about carelessly discarded needles in the Maesgeirchen area and we are work ing very closely with the community and other partners to tackle the issue.
“We would urge any member of the pub lic who comes across a discarded hypoder mic needle not touch it under any circum stances, and to arrange safe removal by contacting Gwynedd Council immediately on 01766 771000.”
Anybody who would like support and information in terms of alcohol and drug problems should contact the Substance Misuse Service on 01248 363463.
Concerned CCG tenants can call 0300 123 8084