Syringe find angers resident

A Waggrakine resident has slammed the “disgusting” junkies leaving syringes in public areas, claiming it’s only a matter of time before a child picks up or steps on used injecting equipment.

Lynne Edwards said she most recently found drug paraphernalia, including used and fresh syringes, in Spalding Park two weeks ago while on a morning walk with her husband, Brian, and their three rescue dogs.

Mrs Edwards said her husband suffered dementia and unwittingly picked up a used pack of needles before she shouted at him to drop it.

She carefully picked up two packs and threw them in the nearest bin, something she had done a week earlier when she spotted similar paraphernalia in the same area.

“It’s more pronounced now that they’re putting in a new toilet block in Spalding,” Mrs Edwards said.

“In the meantime, they haven’t got a toilet block to do drugs in, so we’re seeing an increase of the stuff in the bush.

“I was speaking to a friend that found a lot of syringes along the river near Nazareth House.

“And they’re pretty much everywhere now.

“It’s disappointing and disgusting.”

Mrs Edwards said she was particularly worried about syringes in family-friendly areas, where a lot of children may be walking or riding bikes.

Drug paraphernalia can be disposed of safely at Midwest Community Alcohol and Drug Service on Shenton Street, which also provides clean injecting equipment for drug users so they can be safe while taking the drug.

Geraldton police asked residents who found uncapped syringes to contact authorities.

“You can report where they are to police who can dispose of it for you,” acting Sgt Mark Hocking said late last year.

The number is 9923 4555.