VOLUNTARY litter picking groups have found local parks and public spaces to be littered with drug paraphernalia and dangerous items.
Spending time cleaning up public spaces across the borough, volunteers at St Helens #LitterHeroes say that drug equipment and dangerous objects have become common finds in certain areas.
On a litter pick in Eccleston Branchline Linear Park on Thursday, June 30, one volunteer found needles, syringes, and burnt tin foil left on the ground, as well as a knife placed in the trunk of a tree.
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The volunteer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that the area is a hotspot for drug users and discarded paraphernalia.
Parts of the town centre canal, such as behind the Range and near the train station, are also described as particular hotspots, as well as near the old railway lines on Vera Page Park.
Due to the issue of drug-taking and feelings of intimidation, the volunteer said that people feel afraid to use certain public spaces.
He said: "People tell me they are too afraid to use the canal towpath walk because of [drug takers].
"It’s not good when everyone wants to see the town centre revitalised but spaces that should be used for recreation and relaxation for residents and visitors are ruined by anti-social behaviour.
"The canal is an important part of the town’s heritage and should be utilised to its full potential. Unfortunately, it has been neglected and is a centre of drug abuse. Nothing ever seems to get done to tackle the problem."
St Helens Council and Merseyside Police confirmed that they are working together to make communities and public spaces safer for residents.
Tackling anti-social behaviour, drug misuse and environmental crime are said to be "high priorities" for the public bodies, with the aim to educate or prosecute those responsible.
Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We applaud the efforts of voluntary groups like St Helens #LitterHeroes and support their work by providing bin bags and disposing of waste once it has been collected.
“To come across waste like this is a real kick in the teeth for those volunteers who give up so much of their time and show such great pride in where they live.
"Nobody wants to see this reprehensible behaviour, especially in public places such as parks where children are likely to visit.
“While we are extremely grateful for the ongoing support from litter groups who help us keep our communities tidy - especially with council resources so stretched - we ask them not to attempt to pick up dangerous objects like needles which should be reported to us."
Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities, added:
“Both ourselves and our partners including, Merseyside Police and the Safer St Helens Community Safety partners recognise that anti-social behaviour, drug misuse and environmental crime are high priorities for action and we are working together with them to identify, challenge and where appropriate, educate or prosecute those responsible for action like this."
In addition to their work with the police, the council are also working alongside substance misuse provider Change Grow Live (CGL) to address the issue of drug-taking within the borough - who can also arrange outreach support and facilitate the safe removal of any sharps/needles from the local area.
St Helens Community Policing Inspector Stacey Pope added: “We work closely alongside St Helens Council and our local communities to take action whenever such issues are highlighted, as we understand the risk that dangerous items can cause to those who find them.
"Just like the communities we serve, our team wants all our parks and green spaces to continue to be safe and welcoming places to visit.
“We very much appreciate the fantastic work carried out by local litter picking groups who regularly give up their free time to clear rubbish discarded in public spaces, and who work with us during searches across the borough.
"The more information we receive on the storage and use of weapons and drugs, the better we can focus our resources in the right areas."
Highlighting the work the police are doing to fight anti-social behaviour, Inspector Pope said that a number of land searches were conducted at locations across St Helens and Haydock recently, including Sherdley Park, The Duckeries, and The Hotties canal - with weapons, needles and nitrous oxide canisters recovered.
Dispersal Zones, specialist drugs dogs, mobile police stations, and high visibility patrols and other measures that police stated are ongoing.
Any resident aware of drug-taking or dealing occurring, as well as the finding of any dangerous items, are advised to contact police via their StreetSafe online platform here.
Providing information, advice and guidance with tackling drug use, CGL can be contacted on 01744 410752 or by email on sthelens.info@cgl.org.uk
Dangerous objects can also be reported to the Council on 01744 676789 or by emailing contactcentre@sthelens.gov.uk.
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