The town council has heard that play equipment is being damaged by fires associated with glue sniffing, with paraphernalia left littering the grass which is also scattered with used needles.


Town mayor Ken Bridger said the glue sniffing was ‘a big issue’, especially at the Bell Playing Field off Jameson Bridge Street, where a bench had been set fire too.


Coun Steve Bunney who regularly meets police in association with his work at De Aston and said he might be able to help resolve some issues.


“I’m not saying that every De Aston pupil is in the Bell Playing Field doing that, because they’re not, but there’s a good chance I may be able to give some information for surveillance,” he said.


The council is setting up a reward scheme for information leading to a prosecution on damage caused to town property. It is also looking to improve facilities for small children at the Bell and enforce dog control at both playing fields.