A NEWPORT campaigner has been left outraged after finding syringes and other drug paraphernalia near children's play areas and public bus stops.

Michael Enea, a regular campaigner for the Liberal Democrat party in St Julian’s, has said he and residents in the area have found syringes and aluminium ‘heroin cups’ on the Old Barn Estate.

Several of the items were found near bus stops or grassy areas where children could play.

Mr Enea has said he and councillor Carmel Townsend, who represents St Julian’s Ward, have contacted the police several times after finding the items, which have then been cleaned up.

However, he also said Mrs Townsend contacted the police and asked someone to attend their recent surgery on Tuesday, but no one turned up.

He said: “The meeting held on Tuesday night at the St Julius and Aaron Church on Heather Road was attended by over 20 residents.

“I can’t put into words how angry people were and we’ve never had so many people turn up to one surgery.

“We were given assurance that someone would be attending our surgery. It’s just not great really.”

Cllr Carmel Townsend said: “I highlighted serious concerns from residents and was told a member from Gwent Police would attend our community surgery.

"I'm extremely disappointed the police failed to attend and as such I will take the matter up with the chief constable and PCC.

“Residents have complained they felt there had been a lack of action from the police.”

However, neighbourhood policing inspector for Newport East, Sarah Davies, said: "“Tackling the supply and use of illegal drugs is a key priority for Gwent Police and we have been actively targeting this throughout Newport by carrying out drugs warrants based on information provided by the community.

“On Friday, September 23, 2016, I met Cllr Townsend to discuss the action being taken to address her concerns. During this meeting, I explained that due to a policing operation and another pre-planned community meeting, we would be unable to attend the community meeting on October 4 and that a community support officer (CSO) would be in contact to discuss future availability for a joint community surgery.

“A CSO contacted Cllr Townsend on Tuesday, September 27, with the proposal of a joint surgery to be held on Friday, September 30. Cllr Townsend requested the surgery be postponed until after the meeting on October 4.

“We are awaiting a response from Cllr Townsend on her availability for this joint surgery.”

Cllr Townsend said there may have been a mix up but hoped the police would attend the next neighbourhood meeting.

Cllr Townsend, Mr Enea and residents in the Old Barn Ward have been coming across the syringes and paraphernalia since July, and more items are apparently turning up every month in similar areas.

Mr Enea said: “We don’t want to wait until the next incident until something is done. The next incident might happen in a grassy area and a child might prick their finger on a syringe or something.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen and something must be done."