A STOURPORT councillor has described moves to put a drug users' needle disposal bin "just yards" away from a children's play area as "hugely unfortunate".

Councillor Jamie Shaw said he had "grave concerns" about the proposed siting of the bin - one of three being piloted across Wyre Forest - on a footpath in Areley Kings.

He added he was against the bins in principle as he did not believe drug users would bother to use them.

The Substance Misuse Action Team - a Worcestershire-wide multi-agency partnership also involving the district council - propose to site the bin - made of metal - on the footpath between Linden Avenue and Hermitage Way on the Walshes.

Councillor Shaw, who represents the Areley Kings ward on Wyre Forest District Council said: "The location is right next to a children's play area and this is hugely unfortunate.

"It is not a good idea for young children to be able to see the bins being used by drug users - it is not a good example to set youngsters."

Mr Shaw was also concerned about the security of the bins.

"We have had problems in the area with youngsters prising lids off heavy duty recycling bins and setting fire to them so they could easily break into these bins and get needles out," he claimed.

Mr Shaw explained he did not believe the bins would work.

"We already have a needle exchange in Wyre Forest and if people do not use it and are prepared to just throw needles in the hedge I do not think they would make the effort to go to a specific location to use a bin."

Phil Deakin, co-ordinator at the Substance Misuse Action Team, said, however, the principle was the same as with litter bins - the more there were the more people would be likely to use them.

He explained: "These bins have been trialled in other areas of the country and people have been found to use them."

It was his understanding was that the Areley Kings bin would not be "immediately next" to the play area.

"The proposal to site the bin in this area is because that is where needles are being left lying around, he said.

The bins were also "extremely secure", he added.

A final decision was due to be taken on the siting of the bin as the Shuttle/Times and News went to press.