A woman has slammed junkies who dump old syringes in the street after her granddaughter brought a dirty hypodermic needle home. Now Lyn Turner, 51, is raising a petition to make residents aware of the problem and to urge the police to rid the area around

A woman has slammed junkies who dump old syringes in the street after her granddaughter brought a dirty hypodermic needle home.

Now Lyn Turner, 51, is raising a petition to make residents aware of the problem and to urge the police to rid the area around her home in Golden on the Jackman's estate in Letchworth GC of careless junkies who she says are putting the lives and health of young children as well as residents at risk.

This week children were enjoying the good weather after school and playing on a green in Golden where up to ten hypodermic syringes with needles still attached have been discovered in the grass.

This week Mrs Turner was interviewed by a Police Community Support Officer who also said she had found needles in the area.

"This is shocking. After my little granddaughter came home with a dirty needle and seeing two men obviously taking drugs we made a search of the area for needles and found more than half a dozen," said Mrs Turner.

"I found them thrown in hedges and in one case they had been dropped down somebody's front garden drain. But many have been found on the grass playing area in front of our homes where so many children play when the weather is nice like it is at the moment.

"These needles and syringes have also been found near Radburn School and I have spoken to somebody at the school to warn them as well and even stood outside the school this week telling parents about the problem and my petition which everyone wants to sign."

Mrs Turner said many parents have been horrified by the discovery of so many syringes and wants North Herts District Council (NHDC) to clean up the area now before a child or even an adult is injured by the needles.

"The council has a duty to keep the area clean and when you find dirty needles you fear AIDS and all kinds of diseases," added Mrs Turner.

"I hope the police take on board our fears about drug addicts using the area's alleys to inject themselves and they have promised to look into our concerns."

Police Neighbourhood Team Inspector for North Herts, Jason Thorne said: "We take a robust approach to drug taking and other associated activities and we have spoken to the resident to work to identify and deal with the individuals concerned. Targeted patrols will be conducted.

"I would encourage anyone who has information about drug taking to share this with their local officers or call police on the non-emergency number, 0845 3300222, so we can act accordingly."

NHDC say they will work to clean up the area and if anyone finds needles or syringes not to touch them but to call 0800 328 6023 for the items to be collected safely.