A SHOCKED Newport mother has called for a children's park to be closed after her young daughter found a used syringe while playing there.

Fiona Clarke, of Sheridan Close, Gaer, could not believe her eyes when her ten-year-old daughter Rebecca came home from nearby Dingle Park with the needle.

"I was shocked," Mrs Clarke told the Argus. "Rebecca told me she was playing and fell just inches from where this needle was.

"Her brothers brought it home by picking it up in a bottle, but I would have thought there are more up there. People I have spoken to who live near the park have said they are always having to call out the police or the town rangers because of youngsters causing trouble at night. If they go out there themselves all they get is a mouthful of abuse.

"I know there is a petition going around to try and save the park because someone wants to get rid of it.

" But if all it is being used for is a drug den then I would rather see them pull it down. And my children certainly won't be going up there anymore."

Local councillor John Pembridge said: "It's very disappointing. The Gaer has been getting better lately".

He added much of the park was fenced off and part of it was being redeveloped as a ball-game area.

But he said: "The Dingle is a wooded area - the sort of place that attracts drug users as well as children."

Sergeant Alan Reed, of Newport police station, said he had not been informed of this particular discovery but the problem was widespread.

"Newport is like any other big town," he said. "Where there is drug abuse, you're going to find evidence like this."

He urged residents to contact the police as soon as they saw drugs being used or sold in public.

"The sooner they get in touch, the sooner we can investigate," he said.

Earlier this month the Argus reported how Cwmbran father Kevin Reynolds found drug-using equipment in a park inside Oakfield flower gardens.

Mr Reynolds, secretary of Oakfield residents' association, is now heading a fundraising campaign for a new park closer to locals' homes.

* Those wishing to report drug offences can contact Gwent police on 01633 838111.