A local representative has called for an end to anti-social behaviour after a syringe and needle were discovered on a Co Down beach.
A local resident discovered the syringe on Seapark beach in Holywood on Friday morning.
SDLP North Down representative, Déirdre Vaughan, said although this was a rare occurrence, she was "shocked and concerned" to hear of the discovery.
She said: “While this is a rare occurrence I was both shocked and concerned when I was contacted by a local resident who discovered a syringe with its needle still attached while walking on Seapark beach on Friday morning.
"This is an area of outstanding natural beauty that we are lucky to have on our doorsteps and its sad to see it abused in this way.
“Seapark is an area regularly visited by young families and we’re lucky it was not a small child who discovered this syringe or made direct contact with it while playing on the beach.
"This needle could have posed a significant risk to public health and there is no place for this kind of activity within our community or any community.
“I’d like to thank Ards and North Down Borough Council and the resident whose vigilance ensured this needle was found and reported immediately so the council could dispose of it appropriately.
"I will be contacting the local PSNI to discuss the best way to tackle anti-social behaviour in this area and to establish if they can increase patrols around Seapark beach late at night to discourage this type of activity.
“We live in one of the most beautiful places on our island and it’s a real shame to see it blighted by incidents like this.”
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