Outrage as needle found in park at Prestonpans beauty spot by family

There has been local outrage as a needle was found at beauty spot Preston Tower in the coastal town of Prestonpans.

It was discovered by a local family playing in the area with their child.

The picture was posted on Facebook where it garnered a strong response from the local community with one person saying: “Time Preston Tower gates were getting locked again. Last year I was asked to leave as the guy was locking up but since the lockdown the gates have been continually open.”

Another person added: “My grandsons have found needles there before. Had to stop them from hiding in the hedges against the wall. Disgusting.”

Fiona O’Donnell, Scottish Labour councillor for the Preston, Seton and Gosford ward told the Edinburgh Evening News: “I understand that it is upsetting and worrying to find a discarded needle, especially when you have children with you.

“It is really important if you come across a syringe or needle that you don’t attempt to move it. Contact East Lothian Council or one of our community wardens, if you have their details, and it will be safely removed.”

“I want to keep everyone in our community safe from the dangers of drug misuse. It is completely unacceptable that someone has discarded this needle with no regard for public safety.

“It is also unnecessary as sharp boxes can be provided to drug users as well as clean and safe needles.

“Please make use of the services and support which is available in East Lothian to keep yourself and others safe.”

Lachlan Bruce, Scottish Conservative councillor for the same ward said: “It’s always very disappointing when this happens, needles left in public, of course, are very dangerous and could easily be found by a child or pet that doesn’t understand that. It keeps happening as well which makes it worse especially when there are needle exchanges

in the town and when sharp boxes are available. Those doing and leave needles in public areas need to stop.”

A spokesperson for the East Lothian Council added: “If anyone does spot such material they are advised not to touch/remove it themselves but to contact the council's Contact Centre 24hr Emergency Line with as much information on the location as possible.

“We respond to any report of needles found in public areas and aim to remove them as quickly as possible and also advise Police Scotland of the matter.”

Prestonpans has a needle exchange at Bankton Pharmacy.

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