Border Telegraph | News | Wardens need cash injection

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 25th June, 2008 09:00

Wardens need cash injection

By Ally McGilvray

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DRUG addicts have been condemned for leaving dirty needles in an area where children play at a block of flats in Galashiels.

Community wardens, employed by Scottish Borders Council, made the grim discovery while patrolling the tower block in the town’s Gala Park Court.

They found three syringes in a drying area, which had been turned into a drug den, just yards from the doorsteps of unsuspecting residents.

However, with uncertainty over the long-term future of the specially-trained wardens, fears have been voiced that they may not be on hand to pick up the next one.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph, one horrified resident said: “If drug addicts had their way we would all be too scared to go out.

“I was shocked to hear dirty needles had been left in the drying area – children regularly run around in there and their parents let them, thinking its safe.”

But she added: “I am just relieved the community wardens were there. We don’t want drug addicts shooting up on our doorstep and we don’t want our children picking up their filthy habit.”

Concerns were raised during the monthly police report at Galashiels and Langlee Community Council last week. Community councillors heard wardens were often called to deal with complaints when officers were unable to respond.

Senior community warden Keith Taylor said: “Drugs are quite a big problem in this area.

“We have found three needles here and one up at Woodstock Avenue. It is something we come across often. We are trained in how to safely dispose of sharp syringes and I would advise anyone who comes across one not to pick it up and instead to contact us.

“At Gala Park Court, one was found in a bottom drying area and another was found in a top drying area – it’s obviously been regularly used (as a drug den) for a while.”

But he added: “We do patrol this area regularly and Scottish Borders Housing Association have now fixed the entry doors to the flats to stop visits from any other undesirables.”

Community councillors heard more community wardens were due to start in post this week. But they argued they should be awarded permanent contracts in recognition of the work that they do.

Community councillor Tracey Alder said: “Initially as a pilot scheme it was sensible for these community warden posts to be temporary but as the scheme has been so successful and the community wardens are providing such a good service, the time has come for the contracts to be made permanent.’

She added: “This would be more cost effective to the council and be more beneficial to the public.”

Scottish Borders Council confirmed its admin budget working group is due to consider the future funding for community wardens.

A spokesperson said: “Community safety is something we are actively working to achieve and the wardens have played a major role in our efforts to date. It’s hoped that will continue.”

amcgilvray@bordertelegraph.com

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