Home a target for drug users

STAFF at a Littleport nursing home are worried drug addicts could be using the grounds after finding discarded syringes close to their summer house. Windows in the building, which stands just 50 yards from Littleport Grange, have been smashed and fence pa

STAFF at a Littleport nursing home are worried drug addicts could be using the grounds after finding discarded syringes close to their summer house.

Windows in the building, which stands just 50 yards from Littleport Grange, have been smashed and fence panels torn down.

Staff even found a hatchet in the garden and say damage has run into hundreds of pounds.

Recently a burglar broke into the home's office and stole matron Cathy Doswell's credit cards.

The home houses 68 elderly residents and staff are worried that it has become a target for drug users and vandals.

"We have security lights around the building itself but the summer house is in the dark and any drug users could be away from prying eyes," she said.

"There has been one incident where syringes were found but damage to our property is ongoing. The cost runs into hundreds of pounds.

"But we don't want to worry our residents."

Staff were so concerned after seeing three youngsters hanging round the home recently they took the drastic step of following one of them home and passing on information to the police.

But despite extensive house-to-house enquiries no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Now maintenance staff are working to repair the damage but staff fear that their may be repeat incidents.

A Cambridgeshire police spokesman said: "Nursing staff reported an incident of criminal damage to us on October 24. House-to-house enquiries were conducted and the police investigation is ongoing."

INFO: Anyone with information should call Cambridgeshire police on 0845 456 456 4.