The lives of Harold Hill youngsters are being put at risk by the groups of drug-users who have taken over their favourite playground, anxious parents have claimed.

The play area at the south end of Keats Avenue has become a virtual no-go area for local youngsters, with some alarmed parents choosing to keep their children at home rather than expose them to the used syringes left abandoned behind the sheds and around the swings and slides.

Residents have had enough of their unwanted teenage visitors loitering around the swings after dark and have demanded action to get rid of them.

Worried dad John Deeble of nearby Heaton Avenue explained: "A lot of residents just refuse to take their children down there. Its common knowledge that needles can be found there.

"It's a shame, because it means that children round here have nowhere to go. It would be nice to be able to take my three- year-old son over there, but its just too dangerous. He could end up with a needle in his foot, and be infected with something. Its just not worth the risk.

"Its so secluded. Its completely covered in trees. The council should knock down some of the bushes and trees or install more lights, or even move the swings nearer to the houses so they can be used safely."

Heaton councillor Margaret Latham said: "I have had no approaches from residents, but I do know there's some concern and I shall certainly be going up there to take a look. We are very concerned about any case involving drugs."

She has now joined the police in urging local people to come forward to report their concerns, so action can be taken.

Sgt Mick Walford said: "We always take drug taking seriously, and obviously needles left lying around are potentially dangerous for children. I would ask people to get in touch if they have any information regarding the possibility of drug taking in that area."

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