A crackdown on drugs and anti-social behaviour is taking place in Whitehaven after a young girl was scratched by a dirty syringe.

Councillors, Cumbria Police, Copeland Council and Unity Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service met yesterday to discuss concerns about drug use on the Kells and Mirehouse estates.

It follows an incident at Kells play park where an 11-year-old girl was scratched by a dirty syringe and had to be tested for hepatitis.

Both Cumbria police and Copeland council say this appears to be an isolated incident, but they are calling on people to be vigilant and report any illegal drug activity or dirty needles.

Work is also set to be carried out to identify problem areas and for agencies to work closer together.

The meeting was called by town and borough councillor Michael Guest, as a result of concerns by residents.

He said he believed there was a "growing problem" of drugs on the estate.

And town councillor Jayne Laine, for Mirehouse, said: "I have seen drug paraphernalia such as needles at Mirehouse subway and also many residents post pictures of such items on social media from all corners in our town."

She also raised concerns about anti-social behaviour at Mirehouse subway.

Councillor Laine said the multi-agency meeting was "very positive".

"All agencies need better links with the community," she added.

Mr Guest hopes the talks "will be the start of many".

The pair said the organisations discussed how they can work together and raise awareness.

This week, Mrs Laine also wrote an open letter to Copeland Council and community leaders calling for a team to be launched to "ensure that Kells play park and others in Copeland are searched immediately for syringes and that they are removed".

Sgt Suzanne Redikin, for Cumbria Police, said the incident at Kells appears to be "an isolated incident, rather than being indicative of a larger issue with public drug misuse in this locality".

"However, Cumbria Constabulary and its partners take such issues and concerns seriously."

Anyone who comes across needles or syringes must contact the council who can arrange for the items to be cleared away safely.

A Copeland Council spokesman said: “All known problem areas are prioritised to receive extra cleaning attention, and we have arranged to go on a walk-about of their patches with Councillors Guest and Laine so they can identify any areas of concern to us and they can be added to our list if necessary.

He added: "The Wasdale railway arch is a known area where young people congregate, and it receives extra cleaning attention as a result. Although we have a team of 15 to keep the whole borough clean and resources are stretched, we prioritise Wasdale railway arch and it is checked and cleaned at least twice weekly, and every day during school holidays."

He said Kells play park is inspected and cleaned twice weekly.

"Since the incident with the needle, the play area has been checked every day and no further needles have been discovered," he added.

Copeland says if a needle is reported on land that its own or is responsible for, it will be removed at the earliest opportunity. Phone 01946 598300 or email info@copeland.gov.uk

Call Cumbria police with details about illegal drug activity on 101.