Thursday 26 June 2014
BBC Radio Guernsey Enquiry:
Last night a needle was found in the sand on Richmond beach. It looks like a recreational drugs needle, rather than a medical one.
Please find a picture attached.
I have a couple of questions I would be grateful if you take a look at:
- What measures are taken to prevent items like this being left on beaches?
- Are regular cleaning checks of the beaches made?
- If so, who is responsible for this?
- Are environment worried about people using the beaches to take drugs/ drink alcohol?
- Is this a particular area targeted by anti-social behaviour?
Environment Department Response:
The syringe shown was a microfine insulin syringe that may be used by licit and illicit substance users. It is extremely rare for a syringe or needle to be found on any Guernsey beach or any other area of public recreation land managed by the Environment Department.
Beaches are cleaned by hand regularly all year round with frequency increasing between Easter and end of September. The most popular beaches are cleaned daily during the peak summer period. The beach cleaning team take pride in maintaining the appearance of our beaches and any hazardous litter found is always reported to the Department. Regular inspections are undertaken by the Department's staff to ensure the standard of cleansing is maintained but it is possible that a beach may be cleaned in the morning and subsequent tides or beach users may leave hazardous waste behind.
Anti-social behaviour is very rarely reported at any Guernsey beach and there have been no such reports for Vazon, Richmond. The Department would always advise the Police of reports of anti-social behaviour. The circumstances of any finds of substance abuse paraphernalia found anywhere on land managed by the Department are always passed on to the Police.
The Department would urge any member of the public finding a needle to advise the Department (Tel: 717200) so that safe removal and disposal can be arranged.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
