An MSP has urged South Lanarkshire Council to be sharper with its needle policies.
James Kelly has written to the local authority to demand that more be done to tackle the issue of discarded needles.
The Glasgow MSP hit out after we reported last week that a discarded hypodermic needle and syringe was found near a Rutherglen primary school.
The picture of the needle – which was discovered at Bankhead pond – circulated on social media and was met by outrage as parents condemned the selfish act.
Mr Kelly previously raised concerns with the council following a number of incidents in 2018.
He told the Reformer: “I was disappointed to discover that discarded needles have again been found near Bankhead Primary School.
“While the council currently operate a ‘call-out’ system for removing these dangerous items, it’s becoming clear that this isn’t good enough.
“In many of the recent incidents where needles have been discovered they have initially been found by, or in the presence of, children.
“In one particularly distressing case, a mother discovered a needle in her daughter’s shoe, lodged there when she stood on it without knowing.
“Given the number of incidents around Cityford burn, and the amount of children who frequent this area to play or get to school, the council should seriously consider carrying out regular sweeps of the area.
“Parents are frightened and children are being put at risk. It’s time for stronger action.”
