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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Damien Edgar

Concerns raised over drug needles near train station

Concerns have been raised after used needles were discovered near Yorkgate Train Station in Belfast.

The DUP councillor Dean McCullough said other drugs paraphernalia had also been discovered at a nearby tunnel.

“I spoke to concerned parents this week regarding the needles that they had to navigate their children around," he said.

Read more: Belfast residents call for preventative action after '25 needles a day' found in area

"I have requested a multi-agency site meeting on behalf of our party as, regrettably, the discovery of needles in and around the tunnel beside Yorkgate Train Station is nothing new," he said.

“What we need is attractive and connected regeneration, increasing connectivity whilst decreasing the potential for drugs usage in the area - creating a welcoming and safe space.

The tunnel is near to Yorkgate station (Google)

“We recognise that there is crisis in our City Centre and our duty to help those trapped by addiction but we also have a duty to protect parents, children, and surrounding communities.”

His party colleague and North Belfast MLA Brian Kingston said the problem needed addressed urgently.

“This tunnel is an important connection between York Road and the docks and waterfront areas," he said.

"Unfortunately it is often littered in the mornings with broken bottles and drug-taking paraphernalia from the night before.

“We certainly do not want to see the tunnel closed, but it does require increased attention from the Police, the Council and other statutory agencies to prevent it from being a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and a danger for local people and commuters passing through.”

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