A COMMUNITY safety team has urged the public to continue reporting discarded syringes and drug paraphernalia in the town centre after a rise in cases.

In the past three months there have been 53 reports of dumped drug equipment.

Some of the most common locations are near the Hotties, alleys and at the back of shops.

Pete Mallett, from the Safer Communities Team at St Helens Council, said: “We have had more reports of discarded equipment in the past 18 or so months but more notably since March.

“However, the only way to tackle the problem is for everyone to report it.

“Whether it be reported on our free app, via the phone or email or via Wesley House all reports are dealt with and people can even get notified once it has been dealt with.

“Many users are seeking treatment because they can’t just come off the drugs, but they are given equipment, such as sharps boxes, so they can dispose of it safely and the issue is that these are not being used.

“That isn’t unusual and our street cleansing team often come across sharps and the like and are trained to dispose of them safely but members of the public should not touch these in any way if they see them, report it to us with as much information as possible and we will deal with it.

“Our issue is when something is on private land but if that is the case we do notify the owner of that land and discuss with them ways to prevent that area being used again.

“We also offer support and help via other avenues to people using the drugs and advise them on how to safely dispose of them.”

Mr Mallet added that the Safer Communities Team do checks across the town centre weekly.

The council has a specific option on their free mobile app, called St Helens Council in the app store, to report drug related litter.

The team will be alerted immediately to the problem this way.

Otherwise people can contact the council regarding drug sightings, by calling 01744 676789 or visit sthelens.gov.uk/report-a-problem.