Drug kit found on church steps
Siew Peng Lee • Published 21 Sep 2012 08:55
2 Comments
A DUNFERMLINE dance teacher has called for action after discovering a "complete drug kit" on the steps of a city-centre church.
Karen Drummond, founder of the Fife Academy of Performing Arts in Pilmuir Street, was horrified to find needles, drugs, swabs and spoons on the steps of the St Andrew's Erskine Church near her school.
In June, the Press reported that the dilapidated church was now owned by the Yes U Are Partnership, which intends to turn it into a wedding and conference venue. However, Karen claimed the church did not seem to be looked after and she clears up the area regularly herself.
Karen was with husband Jim at the church around 10am on a Sunday earlier this month to cut the grass when Jim came across the drug paraphernalia.
She said, "My husband found it on the side of the stairs but it could have been a child who found that.
"It was right on the steps of the church, it's a very public place.
"There must have been about 10 needles and it was very lucky this time the needles were not used.
"There were also drugs, swabs and even spoons for the drugs. It was a complete drug kit."
Karen called Fife police and disposed of the material in a council sharps bin.
She is now calling for measures for the church to be cleaned up and better lighting and CCTV to be installed to deter anti-social behaviour and drug users from the area.
She said, "It's not the first time it's happened. We've found dirty needles before when we were cutting the grass and there's also been tramadol and diazepam. There are people urinating outside the place as well.
"The church is in a very bad condition and the owners need to take responsibility for it.
"We try to clear up the place because it's the entrance to the town centre and it looks awful. It can't continue like this."
Norman Laird, Fife Council's area services manager, said, "The police are aware of some low-level anti-social behaviour in the area but have taken firm action to prevent further activity.
"This incident has been investigated and the syringes were found to have been discarded unused.
"I will be contacting the new owner of the building, my colleagues in transportation services and the police to address the issue of the lighting."
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Catlady57
39 posts
Sep 21, 19:33
Report commentI have seen several well known 'Big Issue' sellers hanging around here with their dubious looking friends who may be residents of the James Bank Hostel.
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stormxxx
170 posts
Sep 24, 03:54
Report commentDoes Karen never read the Press? Does Karen never pass this part of town? This is visually a clear problem most days!! There is a far bigger issue than this though here in town. What about the activities happening at the entrances of the Kingsgate? Junkies an jakies fighting..scrounging cigs and money from passers by? Nobody seems too bothered about this growing problem. These poeple are very intimidating but no way will i give in to them but at the same time...how do i know what their reaction will be to me saying no!? I am in the town that i was born and raised in...less an less an less. These people can so they will an so would i if i were in their shoes!! Nobody will stop them so.............
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