Concern on Soham Estate After Number of Syringes Discovered

CHILDREN living on a housing estate in Soham are being monitored by their parents as they play outside after a number of syringes were discovered.

Parents on the Barleyfields Estate in Soham have discovered a worrying number of hypodermic needles near their homes in recent weeks and are becoming increasingly concerned that one of the children might pick up a needle by mistake.

Mr Davidson, who lives on Gadwall Way, told the Ely Standard: "There are a lot of kids who play out around here and if one of them should pick up one of the needles not knowing what they are, who knows what would happen.

"We are finding these needles regularly and we are not happy about it, I've got three kids aged between three and 10 and it's not good for them."

The estate itself was built in-part by the housing development company Cofton, who have since gone bust leaving large parts of the development unfinished. Though Cofton built a number of small play areas on the site, there is little else for local children to do, forcing them to play on the streets.

Residents insist they have contacted police about the needles but suggest that a number of raids in the area have failed to ease the problem, Mr Smith who also lives in Gadwall Way, said: "There are often disturbances during the night and its not very nice, we are keeping in contact with the police and housing managers but the needles keep appearing."

Ely Sector Inspector Alan Savill, said: "A multi-agency environmental audit was recently carried out by police and partner agencies aimed at highlighting areas for improvement. No needles or evidence of drug taking was found on this occasion.

"We are aware of some individuals who are linked to drug taking and they have been the focus of police attention.

"If anyone finds needles, they should contact East Cambs District Council to arrange their removal.