Dumaresq Lions volunteers found about 15 syringes during a regular weekend clean-up of the Lions Park on the Armidale bypass.

Club president Carolyn Gadd, who was part of the volunteer crew, said the group maintained the park with regular clean-ups including scrubbing graffiti and picking up rubbish.

A number of used syringes were found during the cleanup and while the park was “out of the way” on the bypass it was a popular stop for travellers.

“It’s not a good look,” Mrs Gadd said.

The issue was raised by her husband, councillor Colin Gadd, at the latest Armidale Dumaresq Council meeting.

“It’s an issue of public safety,” he said.

“It seems to have become a rendezvous spot as an alternative to the look-out.”

Armidale police inspector Roger Best said as the park was out of town the syringes could have either come from a traveller, perhaps a truck driver, or a local who used the park to conceal their drug habit.

“It is likely finding the syringes was a one-off occasion, with someone passing through using the area as a dumping ground,” he said.

“If more are found it could suggest someone local is using the area and if that’s the case we will turn our attention to that.”

“Well, the 15 syringes are not there anymore,” Cr Gadd replied, saying the Lions had disposed of the needles.

“It is dangerous with the transmission of all those diseases out there.

“We need to look out for the community and let people know don’t walk around in bare feet.”

Councillor Rob Richardson said he would raise the issue at the next meeting of the community safety committee.

“I think a sharps container there is not a bad idea. You may think it is giving in to the problem, but it could be a good interim measure which is better than having them lying around.”

But Inspector Best said he would not give that advice as it was possibly just a one off.

If you find a used needle contact the Needle Clean Up Hotline on 1800 633 353.