A call for Pembrokeshire’s council to address “the persistent problem of discarded hypodermic needles” in a Pembrokeshire estate has been lodged on its own online petitions portal.
Lee Dennis Herring, a Pembroke town councillor, is calling on the county council to “tackle the persistent problem of discarded hypodermic needles in Monkton.”
The e-petition, which runs up until December 9 has attracted 12 signatures to date.
Any petition of between 100 and 499 signatures triggers a debate at one of the council’s overview and scrutiny committees, and any over 500, a debate at full council.
The petition asks the council to introduce scheduled proactive needle sweeps of known hotspots at least twice per week, amongst other measures, with coordinated action with Dyfed-Powys Police and other services.
It adds: “Monkton has a recurring problem with discarded hypodermic needles which has persisted for a considerable period. Needles are found several times per month, as well as sporadically, and the problem is not confined to a single location.
“They have been found around the existing play area, on main roads and thoroughfares, and in alleyways.
“Residents should not have to encounter a potentially hazardous hypodermic needle before Pembrokeshire County Council becomes aware that one exists. Nor should residents have to repeatedly report individual needles as the primary means of dealing with an ongoing problem.”
It goes on to say: “The objective is straightforward; fewer needles being left in public places, fewer residents exposed to them, and a reduction in the activity that produces the problem.”
The same petition creator has also set up e-petitions covering Monkton asking for waste and dog waste bins to be reinstated in the community, and for the relocation of a proposed play area from its current site to what it claims would be a more suitable one.
Joint county councillor for Monkton & St Mary South, and Cabinet member, Cllr Aaron Carey said of the needles petition, he said: “I recognise the concerns and the potential risks, particularly to the children. While every incident must be taken seriously, I believe our response should be proportionate to the scale of the problem. “We need to address reported incidents, identify recurring hotspots, and wait with the relevant services to tackle the underlying issues.”
On the bins call, he said removal “has been an issue across Pembrokeshire following misuse by some people disposing of household waste,” adding: “We should look at better provision, regular emptying and ways to tackle misuse.”
He added that, if there were more litter bins “there would be no need for separate dog waste bins which would require additional resources”.
On the proposed new play area site Cllr Carey said he had been supportive of a potential move but “investigations have identified utility infrastructure beneath the proposed site”.
He added: “I remain happy to work with council officers and residence to explore alternative locations and find a suitable, safe, and accessible play area for Monkton’s children.”
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