Angus Council has urged Montrose residents to report drug use in public places, after hypodermic needles were found in a children’s playpark.
Parents claim six syringes were found in Garrison Road and Annat Road over the last few weeks, and that the dangerous practice has been ongoing for years.
Householders have even begun lifting the dirty needles themselves and taking them to the fire station for proper disposal by paramedics.
Both the police and the local authority are aware of the issue blighting the neighbourhood and have warned people not to to touch the potentially disease-ridden objects.
A spokeswoman for Angus Council said the antisocial behaviour was caused by a “minority” of tenants.
She said, “Housing, social work and health and community safety team members are working together and with Tayside Police to address these complaints.
“Members of the public finding discarded needles should not touch them but should call the ACCESSline on 0845 277 7778 to arrange for safe disposal.
“If any members of the public are encountering antisocial behaviour amongst their neighbours, they should contact our housing department via the ACCESSline or email accessline@angus.gov.uk for advice and help.”Safety adviceShe added, “Anyone who has suspicions of criminal behaviour being carried out by their neighbours should not hesitate to contact the police.”
A six-year-old Dundee boy pricked his finger on a needle in the Hilltown area of the city this month and is now enduring a three-month wait for an HIV test.
Aiden Miller was playing on the grass outside the Butterburn multi-storey when the incident occurred.
At the time a police spokesman said that anyone who finds a discarded needle or syringe should not touch it but instead call the force control centre.
He said, “Anyone who has information regarding drug misuse or dealing is asked to contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222.”
The NHS recommend anyone injured by a needle should first let the wound bleed out before washing the affected area with soap and then drying it.
Under no circumstance should the blood from the prick be sucked and it should not be scrubbed while cleaning.
Once a needle has been used, it may be contaminated by blood-borne viruses or infections such as hepatitis B or C and HIV.