WORRIED workers fear a serious accident is waiting to happen after allegedly catching drug users injecting themselves on the stairs of the Whalebridge car park – with many leaving behind used needles.

The horrifying discovery was made by Michelle Reeves earlier this week as she returned to her car following a day’s work at Amey in Station Road.

“There are always drug users there and they don’t seem to want to hide it because they have left syringes everywhere,” the 35-year-old said.

“Usually I take the stairs over the lift but this one time when I did take the lift, I came out and noticed two men sat on the stairs with loads of needles and I couldn’t believe it. They were doing it in broad daylight and they just didn’t seem to care.”

Despite reporting the matter to the police and Swindon Borough Council, frustrated Michelle wants more action taken to curb the drug problem which she believes has got progressively worse since she started parking at Whalebridge two years ago.

It is not the first time that the £15m Whalebridge car park in Islington Street has come under fire from drivers, with many complaining in their masses to the council in the last 18 months over anti-social behaviour from youths amongst other issues.

Michelle added: “The police have said they can’t arrest them for taking drugs because they have such a minimal amount on them.

“It isn’t just happening at a certain time – it is all the time and it is disgusting. There are women and children who use this car park daily and no one should see that.

“Seeing that is quite frightening and not something I have to walk past in a public car park.

“A friend of mine has moved car parks because of it. They have just opened the new health centre round the corner so I would assume it is going to be used by a lot more parents and children. If these people are going to be leaving around used needles then I think it is a disaster waiting to happen.

“There are not enough patrols by police and not enough action from the council. They have parking wardens that go around and so I don’t know why they haven’t spotted it going on.”

Swindon Borough Council has said it takes a “proactive” approach to managing and addressing the issue of drug taking.

A spokesman added: “We have obtained several injunctions against individuals who have been causing problems in these locations and we are in the process of gathering evidence against other known offenders.

"We will be adding additional security to some of our car parks to limit access through the evening and during the night.

“Although we have taken court action against repeat offenders, the council has been working closely with the police, Threshold Housing Link and substance misuse services to tackle the issue of rough sleeping in our car parks in recent months and a number of individuals have accessed the help available to them.”

“The car parks are cleaned on a daily basis but, unfortunately, the misuse by individuals does mean this is a challenge. Anyone who is concerned about the environmental condition of the car parks should call 01793 445501.”

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Wiltshire Police continually works with its partners to deal with any anti-social behaviour in Swindon town centre.

“Recently a man was seen taking drugs in this car park; he was subsequently given a Community Protection Notice prohibiting him from returning to this area. Also, we would encourage members of the public to report any anti-social and illegal behaviour to police on 101.”