MP demands immediate action on Loftus drugs scourge after playground horror

Simon Clarke MP has expressed “deep anger” and demanded urgent action from the Police and local Council after a little boy was pricked by used drug needles in a Loftus playground late last Tuesday afternoon.

Riley Ashton, 4, was playing in the play area on Tees Street in East Loftus with his friend Callum, 6, when he found four discarded needles. As he ran up with them to his mum Paige, she saw he had cut his thumb on one of the needles. He was rushed to James Cook Hospital, and now faces a three month ordeal to wait to find out if he has contracted Hepatitis B.

When Paige searched the park, she found a discarded handbag filled with dozens of used needles hanging on a tree where children play house. This has now been handed to police.

On Friday Simon met the family to hear their story and see the play area himself. Immediately afterwards he called the Chief Executive of Redcar and Cleveland Council, Amanda Skelton, and wrote to Chief Constable Iain Spittal to demand action.

Simon said, “Paige is rightly beside herself about what has happened to Riley. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare and I share her deep anger. Straight after our meeting I called the Chief Executive of the Council to demand this play area is inspected by staff on a very regular basis to remove any needles, which she agreed to. They’ll also cut out the shrubbery where the worst of the abuse takes place.

“I’ve written to the Chief Constable to say there should be an increase in the police presence in the town – and where possible, action taken against those who are putting the public at risk with their disgusting habit. These people need to know they can’t act with impunity any more.

“Riley’s story crystallises how serious the issue has become. At a town hall meeting held by the Rosecroft Action Group in August used needles were a major concern expressed to me by residents and in a couple of weeks I’ve got a multi-agency meeting with representatives from the police, council, needle exchanges and residents’ groups to discuss how we tackle this problem for the long term.”

Paige, who is making the story public to try to force change, said, “Riley ran over to me saying, ‘Mummy, look at these stabby needles’ and I screamed when I saw him bleeding. We went straight to James Cook and now Riley needs monthly injections as we know a local addict has Hepatitis. We won’t find out whether he’s got it or not for three months.

“I don’t feel Riley’s safe at the park, even with me there, and I know other mums feels the same. If there’d been speed or whatever left on that needle it would have killed Riley, there’s no way his body could have handled that. I’m really grateful Simon responded so quickly and has taken this to the head of the police and the council as I never, ever want this to happen to anyone again.