Parents Concerned As Needles Have Been Found Around The Lynn Doyle area of Downpatrick
Anxious parents have called for drug users not to litter the streets with used needles in Downpatrick.
This appeal followed the discovery of discarded used needles recently that were likely used for shooting up heroin.
A Downpatrick resident said: “This is very sad. Our young people are at serious risk. They do not understand the harm that this could cause them.
“There are health hasards such as Hepatitis, AIDS, and other diseases if the were pricked by a needle even if it was in jest and they were just playing as youngters do.
“Children younger than ten years old play in this area where the needles have been found and really it must stop before something serious happens.
“In one needle found there was a quantity of what appeared to be unused heroin.
“I believe there needs much more to be done in schools to ensure the children at primary school age are more aware of the dangers of soft and hard drugs.
“Now that the summer holidays have arrived, children quite young are out playing on the streets much later. They need to be safe where they are playing, and I would appeal to anyone taking drugs not to discard your needs where children can find them.
“Drugs are a reality in our community and we must do more to protect vulnerable people and our children.”
According to one report from a local resident, a six-year old child picked up one of the needles that was lying on the ground. If that is the case, then the drug users and dealers have a lot to answer for. Every child is precious!
