A Methil mother said she is “terrified” for her daughter after she was injured by a hypodermic needle found in a park.
Julie Murphy (29) was told by hospital staff that nine-year-old Jamie-Leigh did not need any tests after coming into contact with “disgusting” drug paraphernalia beside swings near her home in Lower Methil.
However, she is beside herself with worry and wants to make sure Jamie-Leigh has a clean bill of health after finding what looked like a needle prick on her hand.
She told The Courier hospital staff reassured her it was unlikely her daughter had picked up an infection.
“The hospital said she didn’t need tested but I’m terrified in case she has caught anything,” said Ms Murphy. “I’m waiting for a doctor’s appointment and she’ll be getting blood taken there.”
Jamie-Leigh was playing with her friend Courtney (9) at the park when the girls came across a stash of drug injecting equipment.
Ms Murphy took pictures of the distressing collection of hypodermic needles, lighters, spoons and what appeared to be a tourniquet.
Courtney’s mum contacted a drugs group and also asked that children are made aware of the dangers of dirty needles.
“Apparently they’ve not got funding because all the funding goes into buying new needles for drug users. It’s ridiculous that they would rather fund clean needles than raise awareness among kids at schools,” Ms Murphy added.
The police were alerted to the grim discovery and officers from Fife Council’s environmental services were sent out to collect the paraphernalia.
Having grown up in Methil, Ms Murphy said she had seen the area become increasingly blighted by drugs over the years.
“I’m never letting Jamie-Leigh near the park again that goes without saying. I didn’t realise what half the stuff was until I was told what it was.
“Drugs are a big problem in Methil everyone knows that and I think it’s got a lot worse.”
The council has in the past advised members of the public coming across hypodermic needles not to touch them and contact environmental services, who aim to remove syringes within two hours if considered a danger.
The number to call is 08451 550022.