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By Lisa Ramsden A TASKFORCE is to be set up in a bid to tackle the surge of needle users in Downpatrick. It is being established in an effort to combat the number of discarded used syringes and needles which drug addicts are dropping on the town’s busy streets. Just last month, it emerged that drug addicts are dropping their used needles and syringes in the town centre, close to a busy shopping street and residential area. One of the areas of particular concern is a walkway, which runs between Lynn Doyle Place and St Patrick’s Avenue, in the commercial heart of the town. Local councillor, Conor Galbraith, who highlighted his concerns and those of residents and businesses, has welcomed this progress. The SDLP representative had raised the issue at last week’s meeting of the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership. The multi-agency group will include involvement from the PSNI, Public Health Agency, and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Councillor Galbraith will also meet separately with PCSP Manager Lynn Corbett to discuss what further action can be taken. Welcoming the agreement to establish this working group, Cllr Galbraith said it will “tackle the increasing number of discarded syringes being found in and around Downpatrick town centre”. Emphasising the risks and dangers discarded sharps and other related paraphernalia pose, Cllr Galbraith addressed last week’s PCSP meeting and appealed for a robust response. Following his intervention, it was agreed that the partnership will bring together this working group. He said that “finding discarded syringes on our streets is frightening”, particularly for parents “who are understandably worried about a child coming across one while playing, walking through town or simply using our public spaces”. Mourne Observer Down Recorder digital edition