USED syringes have been found near Chard Reservoir, causing concern to arise in the community for the wildlife in the area.
On Monday, March 24, near Avishayes Road, a resident reported their concern after finding a pile of used needles which had what appeared to be substances inside.
The resident said they are worried about how this may impact the local wildlife and potentially kill the swans who live in the Chard Reservoir.
They said: “I am really worried the swans might die.”
New data on Police.uk found that in January there have been reports of six drug crimes in Chard, which is 15 per cent of the total drug crimes over the past three years.
According to the Avon and Somerset Police, discarded litter such as used syringes and needles can cause “serious health issues” and must be reported immediately.
Police recommend, if discarded, used needles are found, do not attempt to clear away needles or syringes yourself.
Make a note of the time, date and location you found the items for your report to your local council and seek medical advice if you have received a needle stick injury.
Police will not attend to remove any drugs paraphernalia, such as syringes and needles, under any circumstances, so they recommend reporting it to the Somerset Council.
According to the Somerset Council, the Countryside team have said the exact location of the needles appears to be just outside the land that's part of Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve site.
The rangers on site, and the wider Countryside team, have also allegedly not yet received any reports about this issue.
The Somerset Council said: "If residents are ever concerned about anything they have observed on a Somerset Council Countryside site, they can get in touch by emailing countryside@somerset.gov.uk.
"If drug debris is found, please contact the council through this page https://www.somerset.gov.uk/environment-and-food-safety/litter-bins-and-drug-debris/ and it will be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
"We can arrange the removal of drug paraphernalia from land owned by the council. This includes public access parks and play areas. We can also remove paraphernalia from pavements and gutters, but not from roads.
"We cannot remove drug paraphernalia from private land as this is the responsibility of the landowner."
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