COMPLAINTS have been made over a rise in drug taking in Radcliffe after residents discovered needles and syringes in a park.

Residents living near to Festival Gardens have raised concerns about the hazard these drugs pose to children who may be playing in the area, which has recently become home to the East Lancashire Paper Mill gates.

Councillors have called for urgent action from the police following a marked rise in the number of complaints since April.

The concerns relate to evidence of drug use in Radcliffe East ward, near Festival Gardens and Radcliffe Metrolink.

Police said they have been patrolling the area and will continue to do so. They said they are committed to working with residents and partner agencies to tackle the problems.

Resident Joanne Riu said: “Drug taking is an issue in this area. Walking to the doctors surgery in Church Street from Bury Road can be an eye opener. You see lots of drug users about. The majority are clearly under the influence, looking like zombies.

“Residents have done litter picking in Festival Gardens and found discarded needles. It’s disgusting.”

A resident of East Street told the Radcliffe Times: “I have seen squatters and heroin users in the area near to Radcliffe Metrolink.

“This has been going on for a while. I’ve noticed lots of suspicious activity. It doesn’t take a genius to work out there are drug deals taking place.

“Needle tubs and syringes have just been thrown down and left on the floor.”

Radcliffe East councillors said they have called for the police to increase patrols in the area and for a renewed focus on public safety and preventative action.

Cllr Rhyse Cathcart said: “I’m sick of asking for some action.

“Residents are sending me pictures of people using drugs in the churchyard and needles that have been found. Others have found evidence of drug use by the Metrolink. We need police focus on this area.”

Cllr Karen Leach added: “We have had complaints from families.

“We have been getting these areas cleaned up but we need preventative action taking. We need a focus on public health and on needle dispensing.”

Greater Manchester Police said they will highlight the risks of drug abuse and ensure prosecutions are made where appropriate.

Insp Simon Aston of the Bury division, said: “While there has not been an increase in recorded crime in relation to drug use in Radcliffe, the issue has been highlighted to local officers and we understand that residents are concerned.

“We’re committed to working with residents and partner agencies such as schools and councils, to engage with young people to highlight the risks of drug abuse and ensure that any offences are prosecuted where appropriate to do so.

“We will always listen to concerns from the community and work with them to make Radcliffe as safe as it possibly can be. Neighbourhood officers have been patrolling the area and will continue to do so to deter and disrupt offenders.

“It’s really important that any offences are reported to police so that we can act on it at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Residents should call 999 in an emergency, 101 in a non-emergency or to report incidents that have already happened, or use the new live chat function on the Greater Manchester Police web