A CONCERNED father was inches away from standing on what believes was a drug user’s needle as he walked along a Northumberland beach.
Allan England picked up the hypodermic needle to dispose of it responsibly and to stop others from getting injured.
He has now contacted Northumberland County Council to suggest it places bins for sharp objects along Blyth Coastline after he had to drive to Seaton Sluice to hand it over to a chemist to get rid of it properly.
Mr England, 40, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, said: “On Wednesday I was walking barefoot when I spotted the hypodermic needle. My foot was only inches away from it and it was near the ramp where people leave the beach, not in some far-flung corner.
“I could have easily stood on it. If that had happened I could have got Aids or Hepatitis B. And, from what I’ve heard, it’s awful having to wait months after the tests to see if you’ve got it.”
Mr England, who is an area manager for Shell, added: “If you notice in the distance in my picture, just to the left of my hand, there is a family with a toddler. She could easily have fallen on it. She was chasing seagulls, it’s frightening to think what could have happened.
“I go there regularly with my wife, Toni, and sons, Ethan and Max, but I will think twice about it now.”
Allan contacted Northumberland County Council asking for bins for sharp objects to be placed along the coastline.
