Concerned residents living near a Mansfield school have spoken of their 'disgust' after a large number of needles were spotted nearby. People living close by have slammed the find in Pelham Street, Mansfield, near Mansfield Primary Academy, as 'unsafe' and immediately called on action to be taken.
Pictures from the area show upwards of 10 used needles lying on the ground. Police in Mansfield say that the incident is an example of why drug related crime are a "blight on our communities" and say they are working with the community to ensure drug users get the help they need.
Jamie Targett, 35, who lives nearby, said: "Unfortunately this isn't the first time it has happened. No, I doubt it'll be the last.
"I understand trying to help people in these situations but if it's happening so many times I think they need locking up because it's a danger to the community. The school is so close by and all it takes is one young child to wonder off and they could be in trouble - that doesn't bare thinking about.
"Hopefully action is taken soon because this can't carry on."
Elizabeth Wright, 61, said: "Oh God that's awful. With the school just around the corner that's just so unsafe and irresponsible.
"Do these people even think before they do these things? There's just no excuse for that, so so sad.
"You just hope that police or the council can put a stop to it now and at the very least get that cleared up. I have heard of things like that happening in the area, yes."
Inspector Kylie Davies, district commander for Mansfield said: “This is an example of why drugs and related crime are such a blight on our communities. That’s why we are working so hard to target the people who deal these substances, and also why we are working with our partners in the community to ensure drug users get the help they need to change their behaviour.
“When people see drug-related activity in their community we want to know about it so we can better understand what is happening on our streets and target our resources effectively. People can speak to us in person, on-line and on social media, and my calling 101.”
Ryan Oliff, waste and recycling manager at Mansfield District Council said the street cleansing team had been made aware of the incident and were in the process of cleaning up the area on Friday, August 12.
He said: “Our emergency street cleansing team were made aware of the needles located near the Pelham Street Bridge this morning (Aug 12) and have now begun the removal and clean-up of the area. Mansfield District Council has an emergency street cleansing team that deals with needles, fly-tipping, spillages, Road Traffic Collisions and dead animals in addition to normal street cleansing duties, and the council aims to respond to any issues reported within 24 hours.
“All Street Cleansing staff and Neighbourhood Officers are trained to remove needles. We encourage any members of the public who see any sharp objects, drug litter or glass to report them to us via our website to ensure swift removal, and action where necessary - Emergency sharps, glass and drug litter report – Mansfield District Council.”
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