Ref. 71718-07RESIDENTS fear a village green is being used as a drugs den following the discovery of six hypodermic needles near play areas.

Sara Kemp made the shocking discovery when she was playing on Chiseldon Green with her two-year-old son Cameron.

As well as the needles, drug-related gear including a teaspoon and a bag of citric acid were resting next to the kerb in Stroud Hill.

Mrs Kemp said: "I was very shocked and angry to find these things as I know how many children use the green to play on.

"I have a son and I know that he would have been inquisitive if he had found these before me, and then the situation would have been very different. I want to warn other people to keep an eye out for things such as these if they are playing with their children, or animals on the green."

Laura Harris, landlady of The Elm Tree Inn, said the drug problem in the village seemed to spiralling.

"It worries me when these things are lying about when there are children around," she said. "It usually goes on the park but it's a worry if it's spreading to other areas."

Mrs Harris said while one villager was gardening he narrowly missed pricking his finger on a needle thrown in his hedge. "It is quite shocking. Lots of things are happening in the village with drugs. The only way to stop it is to stop suppliers coming in."

Parish council chairman Dr Chris Barry said the latest drugs find was discussed at a meeting on Monday night. "We deplored the fact it was there," he said. "As a parish council there is not a lot we can do apart from bring it to the police's attention.

"Any illicit drugs use worries me because users are harming their health and children playing in the areas are at the risk of such things as hepatitis if they come in contact with contaminated needles."

Dr Barry wants increased police patrols in the village to help stamp the problem out. "In order to do anything these people need to be caught in the act," he said.

Swindon police spokesman Alvina Kumar said: "We acknowledge that, in common with other large towns, we do have drug related and anti-social behaviour problems.

"We do prioritise hot-spot areas which require extra attention to tackle such problems. However, due to the unpredictable nature of policing, there are times when resources are stretched.

"Often problems of this nature are caused by the irresponsible minority either living or having contacts within the local community.

"We would encourage the public to help us with as much information as possible."

Ben Payne