AN ALLOA mother has voiced concerns over her children's safety after she found discarded needles in the garden next to her house.

The address on Lomond Court was left in an utter state, last week with rubbish spread out over the property.

Tenants were evicted on last month but landlords Paragon Housing Association insist no drug paraphernalia was recovered on the day or during subsequent visits.

However, they said a garden shed was later broken into with the contents of a wheelie bin dumped out across the garden.

Shona McGarvie, who lives nearby, said she contacted Paragon to attend to the mess and remove the needles but was left frustrated by her efforts.

She said: "The place is an complete mess but my main concern is the needles and broken glass.

"This court is full of kids and I've got five of my own. I've been living her for nine years and it's just getting worse.

"My wee one is only four and I'm worried that if she sees something like that then she might think its a Calpol syringe or something and pick it up

"I've had to sit them all down and explain the whole thing – that's not something you really want to be talking about with children that young."

Paragon said they would not comment on individual tenants, specifically, but confirmed the property was made vacant on May 18.

A spokesperson said: "Two officers from the association were present on that day and no drugs paraphernalia was identified on initial visual inspection.

"The property was secured and a further visit was made by officers to the property on Tuesday, May 23, and a routine works order was raised for the property to be cleared and prepared for re-let. Again no drugs paraphernalia was evident on visual inspection.

"However, on May 30, we were alerted that there had been two men in the back garden of the property on the night of the May 29. The garden shed had been broken into and the contents of a blue wheelie bin spread around the garden.

"An officer from the association attended on May 30 and no obvious drugs paraphernalia were identified in either the back or front gardens.

"However, given the concerns raised, a specialist contractor was asked to undertake a full needle sweep of the property and garden grounds. This was done on June 1. Further checks on the property have now been undertaken."

The spokesperson added: "Issues with drugs misuse are taken very seriously. Our tenants require to comply with their tenancy agreement, the Scottish Secure Tenancy.

"We would urge anyone with any information relating to the misuse of drugs within any of our properties to contact the housing management team and this will be investigated."

Clackmannanshire Council has been made aware of the material and the street team has been tasked with inspecting the area.

To report discarded syringes or needles in public spaces, call 01259 450000.