Drug taking and vandalism in village parks

Discarded needles have been found in Crowle park by people visiting with children, the town council was told at its latest meeting. And graffiti is a constant issue.

Coun Julie Reed said large groups of youths seemed to be visiting the park at Crowle, that may or may not be linked to the fact that people have reported finding used needles in public areas.

Councillors agreed with chairman Coun Ron Stewart, who said: “This is a serious issue. We need to be on the look out, and those who are dealing with discarded needles need to have proper equipment to protect themselves. People putting needles in bins is not good enough, we need a proper container.”

It was agreed at the meeting in Crowle Community Hub that the town council should support entry in to the Best Kept Village Competition, run by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

Gardening clubs and businesses in the area, along with Regen, are to be asked to get involved.

Mr Stewart said the whole community needed to join in and with the competition in June, there is not long to “mobilise Crowle.”

Mrs Reed said positive steps have already been taken in places. She added: “We are what we are and are good enough to be entered.”

Eyesore areas at Godnow Road and Church Street were mentioned, with suggestions put forward of delaying entry for a year. But it was finally agreed to pay £28 entry and encourage townspeople to plant hanging baskets.