Wardens remove drug paraphernalia from land near retail park

Around 40 used and unused needles along with other drugs equipment were found on Monday by Neighbourhood Wardens on land to the west of the Newbury Retail Park, close to the footpath which runs parallel to the A339.
The area is said to be a known area for drug use, and the recent finds have lead to an increased focus on the area by the wardens, police and both Greenham Parish Council and West Berkshire Council.
The wardens are run by Sovereign Housing.
Sovereign spokesman Roy Probert said: “Having been alerted by a local resident, our wardens located the drugs paraphernalia on wasteland behind the Newbury Retail Park.
“They found around 40 unused and used syringes and needles, as well as zip-lock bags, wipes and equipment for ‘cooking up’ drugs.
“All of this was disposed of it at the Turning Point on Station Road.
“This area has been associated in the past with drug and alcohol use, and the wardens had worked closely with the police and local councillors to get bushes cut back to dissuade people gathering there.”
Anyone who becomes aware of drugs or paraphernalia should contact Thames Valley Police immediately via the 24-hour number 101.