A petition has been submitted to Pembrokeshire Council demanding action over the recurring discovery of discarded hypodermic needles in Monkton, a village near Pembroke.
Lee Dennis Herring, a Pembroke town councillor, is urging the county council to tackle the persistent problem. The e-petition, open until December 9, has so far gathered 12 signatures.
Petition calls for regular needle sweeps
The petition requests the council implement scheduled proactive needle sweeps of known hotspots at least twice weekly, alongside other measures, with coordinated action involving Dyfed-Powys Police and additional services.
It states: "Monkton has a recurring problem with discarded hypodermic needles which has persisted for a considerable period. Needles are found several times per month, as well as sporadically, and the problem is not confined to a single location."
"They have been found around the existing play area, on main roads and thoroughfares, and in alleyways. Residents should not have to encounter a potentially hazardous hypodermic needle before Pembrokeshire County Council becomes aware that one exists. Nor should residents have to repeatedly report individual needles as the primary means of dealing with an ongoing problem."
The petition adds: "The objective is straightforward; fewer needles being left in public places, fewer residents exposed to them, and a reduction in the activity that produces the problem."
Council response and related petitions
Any petition receiving between 100 and 499 signatures prompts a debate at one of the council's overview and scrutiny committees, while any exceeding 500 triggers a debate at full council.
The same petition organiser has launched e-petitions concerning Monkton, calling for waste and dog waste bins to be restored in the area, and for a proposed play area to be moved from its present location to what is claimed would be a more appropriate site.
Joint county councillor for Monkton & St Mary South, and Cabinet member, Cllr Aaron Carey responded to the needles petition, saying: "I recognise the concerns and the potential risks, particularly to the children. While every incident must be taken seriously, I believe our response should be proportionate to the scale of the problem."
"We need to address reported incidents, identify recurring hotspots, and wait with the relevant services to tackle the underlying issues."
Bins and play area concerns
Regarding the bins request, he explained removal "has been an issue across Pembrokeshire following misuse by some people disposing of household waste," noting: "We should look at better provision, regular emptying and ways to tackle misuse."
He suggested that, if more litter bins were available "there would be no need for separate dog waste bins which would require additional resources".
Concerning the proposed new play area location, Cllr Carey said he had supported a potential relocation but "investigations have identified utility infrastructure beneath the proposed site". He continued: "I remain happy to work with council officers and residence to explore alternative locations and find a suitable, safe, and accessible play area for Monkton's children."
