A DISTRESSED and angry Spa woman fears for the safety of young children in the area after she found a used syringe near her home.

Clare Bowen, 31, who lives in Woodmans Close, Westlands, is worried about the wellbeing of her 19-month-old nephew and the other youngsters that play near the site. She made the distressing discovery on Thursday when she was walking down the steps from her flat.

"I was walking down the stairs and noticed the syringe, I could not go any further so called the community warden who came and cleaned it up," she said.

"It is not fair and is not something we should have to deal with. There are a lot of children no older than nine who play around here."

However, she also said the recent discovery is only part of the problem and that drugs are everywhere near her home.

She told the Advertiser about her struggle to try and live next to a place that is often visited and used as a meeting place for drug users.

"People come near our flat to take drugs and also sell them. Sometimes the whole area smells of drugs - you can't get away from it," said Clare.

The drug-taking youths gather beneath the bridge flat where Clare lives because it offers shelter and a place to meet.

She added: "I do not want to confront them but something needs to be done. I have told Spa Housing Association who run the flats but they have just told me to keep a record of what is going on.

"Police need to be aware of the problem and parents need to warn their children. The thought of a child getting spiked is a nightmare."

Mrs Bowen is a diabetic and has to inject insulin five times a day because of her condition. She said that she has the responsibility to dispose of her used needles but drug users do not care about who they hurt.

Intelligence officer for Droitwich Spa police, PC Stuart Mitchinson, said all reports of such activities have been - and will continue to be - robustly investigated.

"The discovery of syringes and other drug-related paraphernalia should always be reported in order that they can be dealt with safely, quickly and appropriately."

Executive director of Spa Housing Association, Claire Huyton, added: "There are areas in Westlands that do suffer with drug problems. We were informed about the syringe and sent someone to clean it up a soon as possible.

"We are keen to help and have asked tenants to keep a record of the situation so we can work closely with the police."

Anyone with information about drug abuse in Droitwich Spa should call police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.