Syringes found at Chard Reservoir nature reserve (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Syringes found at Chard Reservoir nature reserve

6:00am Thursday 24th January 2013 in Chard

VISITORS are being urged to use caution if they come across used needles and syringes at Chard Reservoir nature reserve.

An anonymous source told the News last week that drug-related paraphernalia was being found at the reserve, which South Somerset District Council runs.

The matter has also been discussed on Facebook and other social networking sites.

The council does not think the area has become a haunt for drug users but says items such as syringes and needles may have washed down into drains and ended up at the reservoir.

A spokesman for the council’s countryside department said: “If you find a needle disposed of on public land, please tell us as soon as possible by phoning 01935-462462.

“If you feel safe enough and have a plastic bottle, bottle it up and take it home so it’s out of the way of other people.”

The spokesman added: “Our countryside ranger on site at Chard Reservoir is more than happy to assist the public with any type of problem – especially discarded needles. He can be contacted on 0797-1111955.

“We don’t believe there is a particular problem with drug abuse and the disposal of needles at Chard Reservoir.

“Any rubbish or detritus deposited on the streets in Chard gets washed down into the storm drains and ends up at Chard reservoir untreated.”

One Facebook user said drug users were putting children at risk because they were failing to dispose of needles and syringes properly.

“All these things end up at Chard reservoir, which is meant to be a nice place for families and fishermen to go to,” they said.

“But this is horrible – what happens if someone’s child ends up with a needle sticking in their hand?”

What do you think? Write to the News at 3a Fore Street, Chard, or email newsdesk@chardandilminsternews. co.uk