Syringe packaging found at children's play area prompts parents' concern

Concerns have been raised after used syringe packaging was found in the children’s play area of the recently closed down Heartlands site.

Local resident Jack Benney told the Packet that he and his fiancée decided to take their two “little'uns” to the Heartlands park in Redruth recently as it's local.

The majority of the Heartlands site closed in January 2024 (Image: LDRS)

He said they hadn’t taken them there since the site unexpectedly closed in January this year after the National Lottery pulled its funding.

Syringe packaging was found at the Heartlands play area (Image: Jack Benney/Facebook)

“The kids were playing in the sand pits and I noticed something half buried so I kicked the sand a bit and noticed it was a syringe wrapper and needle cap,” Mr Benney told the Packet.

“We got the kids away from the paraphernalia, no doubt there was more stuff buried around the area but I didn't care to investigate any more that what I could see at surface level.

“As we walked back to the car I dialled 101 and got in contact with Devon and Cornwall now emergency, they told me that they don't deal with things like this and gave me the number to environmental health which was a little concerning as they seemed to not really care about the situation.”

Syringe packaging was found at the Heartlands play area (Image: Jack Benney/Facebook)

Following Ben posting the pictures on Facebook, people vowed never to take their children there again. People also complained about a rise in anti-social behaviour there since the majority of the site closed down.

After the National Lottery pulled its funding, citing the sprawling site being unsustainable, the Heartlands Trust announced the attraction would have to close, meaning 26 staff lost their jobs on Wednesday, January 31 at the museum, Red River Café, Wheal Play soft play centre and Chi an Bobel conference centre which all permanently closed.

Syringe packaging was found at the Heartlands play area (Image: Jack Benney/Facebook)

Following the pulling of the funding Cornwall Council took over running of the site once the legal obligations and management agreement of the Heartlands Trust, who previously leased it from the Council, came to an end in March 2024.

However businesses that remain on the site say footfall has plummeted since it closed while their bills are rising fourfold, leaving them also contemplating closure.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council told the Packet:  "Safety, especially in a children's play area, is extremely important.

"As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we notified the Community Safety Officer, who supports liaison with the local community and Devon and Cornwall Police.

"The drug litter has been removed and we have arranged for further checks to make sure there is no further drug-related litter.

"Anyone who finds drug related litter on Council property is urged to report it here."

https://safercornwall.co.uk/drug-litter/