POLICE in Bridgwater have made a move to reassure people in the town that they are working to tackle illegal activity and antisocial behaviour in Blake Gardens.

Avon and Somerset Police have issued a statement in which they acknowledge an issue with drug-takers discarding used needles in drain grates and in the toilets of the gardens and say improving the situation is a priority.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Our neighbourhood team are continually monitoring the activities in and around Blake Gardens and consider it a local priority.

“We are working alongside Sedgemoor District Council to ensure public safety and are aware of local fears about the recent discovery of discarded needles in the drainage grates in the Blake Gardens public toilets.”

Constable Ian Lamb sought to appease concerns that residents have aired in recent months.

He told the Mercury: “We would like to reassure people that since the discovery of the needles in the drain the numbers have been monitored.

“The public toilets and wider gardens are also monitored and there appear to have been no further discarded needles.

“We are taking measures to ensure that everyone can enjoy the park without concerns. “We would encourage people to log any concerns they may have with their neighbourhood team on our website.”

There has been a spate of incidents in Blake Gardens in recent months and this summer police and Sedgemoor District Council vowed to clamp down on the drunks, drug takers and yobs plaguing the park.

Sedgemoor District Council is seeking specific feedback on Blake Gardens and the type of issues occurring and how they are affecting the local community.

Feedback can be sent via the website at www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/blakegardensfeedback or by calling the council’s anti-social behaviour hotline on 0800 298 2009.

Anyone who finds discarded needles should contact Sedgemoor District Council on 01278- 435435 who will be able to arrange for them to be safely removed where possible.

To contact your local team visit www.avon andsomerset.police.uk/your-area/ and add your postcode or call 101.