Mum finds used syringe in street

11:26am Thursday 26th June 2008

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A MUM OF TWO from Gibbonsdown is calling for safety measures to be taken after she found a syringe and used condom 'lying on the grass' near her home.

Helen Duddridge found the used syringe on Ramsey Road, but as she went to dispose of it, her neighbour's child came in clutching a condom.

Helen said: "It's disgusting. Four- or five-year-olds don't know what a condom is - it looks like a balloon to them.

"They need to be told not to put it near their mouths and not to touch needles.

"They would only need to prick themselves on it - any disease would be transferred. As a mum it is very worrying."

The find echoes that of mum Kelly Price, who found an array of drugs paraphernalia on a children's roundabout in a Barry play area two weeks ago.

Helen has called on the council to start an education programme so that, should a child find such an item, they know not to touch it and to tell a parent.

Operational manager (parks and grounds maintenance) Phil Beaman said: "Regrettably, as reported in the national press, there appears to be an increase in intravenous drug use.

"We would request anyone finding needles in open spaces to contact the council call centre on 01446 700111 where priority is given to dealing with such hazardous items.

"The council will continue to work in partnership with all agencies to try and reduce occurrences of users disposing of needles inappropriately, and I would also ask parents or guardians to make their children aware of any hazards they are likely to come across in the area."