TAUNTON Deane Council has issued the following statement after reports of 300 discarded needles being found NEAR, but NOT IN, Vivary Park, Taunton.

"Taunton Deane Council would like to reassure the public that Vivary Park, in Taunton, remains a safe place for all to enjoy.

The council is aware of reports that a number of needles were found near the park – but would like to emphasise that the location is NOT within the park and in an area difficult for the public to access.

Vivary Park is well cared for both by the council and the hard-working voluntary Friends group.

The park is patrolled daily by the dedicated Park Ranger and by neighbourhood police.

It remains safe for all ages and any incidents of antisocial behaviour are dealt with quickly and effectively.

Sadly, drug users do discard needles in public without disposing of them safely.

This is extremely rare in Vivary Park where the number of incidents is vastly less than in other public areas.

The council is working closely with police to ensure public safety and will respond to reports of discarded needles 24 hours a day.

Reports need to give as precise a location as possible so that teams can respond and deal with the problem quickly."