Children in Kirkcaldy could be infected with HIV and other serious diseases because drug users are discarding syringes on the town’s streets.
Rab O’Donnell, secretary of the Linktown Tenants and Residents Association, has said that several needles have been found in the community in recent weeks, including outside a playpark.
There are concerns that the needles may be harbouring illnesses associated with drug use, with Mr O’Donnell calling for parents and youngsters to remain vigilant for any drug paraphernalia being left on the local streets.
Angered at the conduct of those discarding the syringes, he said: “These people just don’t care.
“If a kid picks up one of these needles then they could catch anything.”
It could be Hepatitis or something even worse like HIV.
“It’s not fair on the youngsters.
“They’re just running about and doing their own thing.
“There’s not been any needles found within the playpark yet and hopefully even the drug addicts think that this is off limits, but everyone has to be careful”
Drugs are an issue that have plagued parts of the Linktown area for many years, however, efforts to rid the local streets of drugs have been undertaken by the authorities in recent months, including several police raids.
Mr O’Donnell says that while clampdowns have had beneficial outcomes, the impact is often temporary until those involved in the trade are returned to the streets.
The needles discovered recently have been found in Links Street, with Mr O’Donnell adding that services must also be promoted to drug users, such as needle exchanges, to discourage antisocial behaviour related to narcotics use.
Damien Woods, Fife Council service manager for parks, streets and open spaces, said that anybody who came across syringes in the street should contact the local authority immediately.
He told The Courier: “We take the issue of discarded needles extremely seriously and try to be on site to remove needles, syringes and any other drug related items, within two hours of them being reported.
“We also have a process in place to deal with discarded needles outwith normal working hours.”