A FURIOUS councillor has called for action after a drug user was reportedly seen injecting himself at the back of a Kidderminster church.

Broadwaters councillor Steve Walker said parents taking their children to school witnessed a man injecting himself behind St George’s Church, on Radford Avenue, and added used needles are being left strewn in the area.

Police in Kidderminster confirmed they were aware of the incident and are working to tackle problems and wider issues around drug use.

Earlier this month, independent journalist Jane Haynes revealed on her Wyre Life site that Wyre Forest had become the worst district in the West Midlands for the number of drug-related deaths.

Inspector Jake Wright, of Wyre Forest Safer Neighbourhood Team, said he and officers from the district council will be meeting with national drug charity Swansell to discuss issues and potential solutions.

Councillor Walker said: “Why is it ok for adults to openly inject heroin at the back of a church?

“Residents are furious and sick of kicking needles off the path, out of the way of children walking to school in the mornings. I have written to the Police asking for the matter to be investigated and dealt with.”

Inspector Wright said: “I am aware of the concerns raised regarding the male seen to inject himself at the rear of St George’s Church and want to make it perfectly clear we do not condone the abuse of controlled substances in public view.

“I am aware that the area has seen a number of issues concerning drug abuse and I’m really keen to continue work with partners to make the area cleaner and safer.

“Wyre Forest isn’t unique in its issues with drug abuse but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continue to make every effort to support those addicted to substance misuse, seek to ensure their behaviour doesn’t impact on others and importantly take robust action when necessary to catch and convict offenders.

“Tackling the issue of drug abuse is multi-faceted and includes enforcement, education, support and reducing the opportunity to offend.

“The installation of safe disposal bins at St George’s was done to mitigate the presence of drug paraphernalia and needles that were already being found in the vicinity of the church and that were rightly subject to complaint.

“I have held meetings this week to discuss our options around tackling the problem and will continue to execute drug warrants in Wyre Forest to disrupt the supply and demand.

Wyre Forest District Council and I have a meeting arranged with Swanswell – the national drug and alcohol recovery charity to see whether we can provide some better solutions.”