Drugs den shock
More than a hundred used needles and syringes have been left strewn near a railway bridge in a drugs den just yards from Walsall town centre.
More than a hundred used needles and syringes have been left strewn near a railway bridge in a drugs den just yards from Walsall town centre.
Scores of drugs paraphernalia has been discovered off Littleton Street West.
Users are meeting at a woodland area by the line which links Rugeley and Birmingham to feed their habit.
Worried residents fear children could come into contact with the exposed needles that are scattered around an area which can be reached through a gap in security fencing.
Councillor Dennis Anson, pictured, said he was particularly concerned there was a drugs den so close to the bustling town centre.
He said: "It is like leaving a loaded gun around and I have never seen so many needles left in one area.
"It is extremely dangerous and any children who are curious about what is there could put themselves at risk.
"We know there is a problem with drugs across the borough and when it is so close to the town centre, action needs to be taken.
"It is also dangerous for people to be close to the railway line."
Network Rail spokesman Ben Herbert said there had been problems across the town and immediate action to clean up the area would be taking place.
He said: "We are aware of a wider drug abuse issue in this area which has led to needles and drugs paraphernalia being dumped on railway land.
"We regularly check the fencing security and have undertaken three separate clean-up operations in recent months.
"We are working with British Transport Police to see what can be done to reduce criminal behaviour in the area.
"Trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence."
Anyone with information is urged to report it to the BTP on 0800 405040 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
