North Wales Hotline Helping Tackle Discarded Drug Litter

A dedicated freephone number and website aimed at dealing with discarded drug paraphernalia safely and swiftly is having a positive effect across the region.

Since March 2018, people living in or visiting North Wales who discover used needles or syringes have been able to report their findings via the Drug Litter Line, with organisations such as the police, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and local authorities all working in partnership to implement and deliver the service.

Local Assembly Members, Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates recently visited the Drug Litter Line’s call centre, which is based in Wrexham, to hear more about the service and its impact.

If any discarded needles or syringes are found in a public place in North Wales, contacting the Drug Litter Line will ensure the information is passed onto the relevant Local Authority who have staff trained on how to remove and dispose of such equipment appropriately.

Welsh Government backing ensures the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

People can report discarded drug paraphernalia by visiting www.drugslitterline.org.uk and filling in a simple form or by calling 0808 808 2276 to speak to a member of staff.

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said: “Thanks to a joint collaboration between the police, the local health board and local authorities, North Wales has a dedicated freephone number for the public to report discarded needles and syringes they may find in their community.”

“Although incidents across the region are few and far between, there have been occasions when local residents have contacted my office reporting incidents of discarded drug paraphernalia.”

“Working in partnership to provide this single point of contact for the public to report such issues is a commendable approach.  Speaking with members of staff, it appears the helpline is working well and it is important the general public are made aware of this service.”