A TRADER in Newport says hypodermic needles are regularly strewn along a pathway yards from a children's play area and clinic.

Emmanuel 'Manny' Paul, 57, said drug abusers dump needles, lighters and condoms on the path outside Secondhand Warehouse in Tredegar Street, Pill.

Despite numerous calls to the police to complain, he claims no action has been taken even though Central Clinic and a children's play area are nearby.

Mr Paul said he has now stopped his grandchildren visiting him because he fears for their safety.

"Removing these needles should be a priority," he said. "It's the Easter holidays so there are a lot of youngsters around and children use a clinic just yards away from where the needles are being dumped.

"It's very dangerous for them. I've scratched my hand on a needle before which is bad enough but imagine if a child picked up a needle and injured themselves. That would be awful.

"I'm fed of coming into work and seeing it every morning. I've been trading in Pill for 33 years and we never used to have problems like this. Things seem to be getting worse."

Mr Paul, who has been running the warehouse in Tredegar Street for four years, said: "Why should I have to remove needles myself and put my health at risk?"

A spokesman for the clinic said there had been an "issue" with needle dumping in the area for a long time.

A spokesman for Gwent Police said: "All information passed to police by members of the community about any ongoing issue, including information about drug abuse is acted upon. With the issue of littering we would work with our partners in the council.

"In the Pill area there is an ongoing operation to target both drug dealers and users and any other drug related crime."