Anger after drugs equipment lay discarded in play park

Anger after drugs equipment lay discarded in play park

23 September 2020

A WARNING has been issued to parents to be vigilant following the discovery of drug paraphernalia in a Saintfield play park.

A Newry, Mourne and Down Council cleansing official is understood to have come across the articles last Saturday at the New Line play area with the find criticised by Rowallane councillor Kathryn Owen.

There is local concern about the disregard the drug users displayed to those who use the play park which is extremely popular with families from across the town and the consequences of a child picking up the discarded paraphernalia.

Cllr Owen said parents in particular will be angry that anyone would consider consuming drugs in a play-park without giving serious consideration to the possibility that children might end up accessing what they leave behind.

The Rowallane councillor — who has raised her concerns with local police and council officials — said what happened last weekend illustrates the disregard that those involved in drugs have for the local community and children in particular.

And she revealed that during a recent litter pick in Saintfield that she was involved in, a number of small bags associated with drug use where discovered in a wooded area close to the town’s sports club.

“The discovery of drug paraphernalia is not uncommon in Saintfield which is worrying,” continued Cllr Owen. 

“The consequences of what could potentially have happened if a child had come across used drug material does not bear thinking about in the generally safe Saintfield community. 

“Behaviour such as this has no place in the town and the discovery of drug paraphernalia will be widely condemned.”

She suggested that the time had perhaps come to look at closing public access to the New Line play park in the evening which would require the provision of a larger fence around its perimeter.

“It is an idea that I plan to discuss with council officials as it’s important that our play parks are safe spaces for our children continue to be.”

Cllr Owen, who has also expressed concern about the current untidy state of the play park,

has appealed to anyone with information about who may be using drugs in the vicinity of the children’s play area to contact police. 

Information can also be provided anonymously using the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.