'Shocking and scary' - Co Derry parents express disgust after used needles dumped on path used by kids
At least nine used needles were found on a pathway used by children to safely cross the busy main road
Concern has been raised after numerous used needles were found discarded on a public walkway used by children living near a Co Derry village.
The grim discovery was made by an individual who was walking along the pathway which runs under the Clooney Road outside Ballykelly.
The path under the bridge, which was built in the 1970s to allow RAF families to cross the main road safely, connects two housing sites and is used frequently by children.
At least nine used needles were found on the ground yesterday (Wednesday).
The incident, which was highlighted by the community Facebook page Ballykelly, has been condemned by locals.
“Absolutely shocking, there are children using this underbridge on a daily basis as a safe way to cross. It’s scary to think what could happen,” said one concerned resident.
An outraged father added: “This is absolutely shocking and needs to be sorted ASAP. My wife and I and our kids just walked through this place yesterday when going to the Blue Shop. Shocking and scary.”
Another parent said she has reported similar incidents in the same area.
“It’s been like that for months, we have reported it non-stop. We have to walk our children there to get the bus. It’s a disgrace,” she said.
Both SDLP MLA Cara Hunter and Sinn Féin Councillor Dermot Nicholl have reported the incident to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Environmental Health department.
Councillor Nicholl said he has also been liaising with the PSNI and the Department for Infrastructure over the matter.
A PSNI spokesperson stated: “Police have received a report of drug materials being located in the vicinity of Clooney Road, Ballykelly on Thursday 28th May.
“The items were subsequently collected for disposal.
“Police would advise anyone finding a syringe or needle, to not touch it but contact police or their local council who will dispose of it safely.
“Officers would also remind those who use needles of the risks to others that they cause by discarding these items so wantonly. Such items can be dangerous, especially to younger children who may not be aware of what they have found.
“Police will continue to use high visibility, targeted patrols and every method at our disposal to disrupt and arrest drug dealers involved in the sale and supply of drugs, and put them before the courts.
“Drug and substance misuse and dealing is a policing priority and police will continue to work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity.
“Police are asking everyone for their support and co-operation in tackling this problem through the criminal justice system.
“Police can be contacted on 101, you can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”