DRUG users are putting primary pupils at risk by discarding used needles in their school grounds.

Children at St James’ Church of England Primary Academy, in Christchurch Road, have found dangerous drugs paraphernalia on several occasions.

Now senior school staff, police and the local authority have joined forces in a bid to tackle the problem.

And they have issued warnings to parents and pupils about the risks of touching the items.

One parent told the Daily Echo: “There have been half a dozen reported incidences of syringes being found on the school premises.

“Children as young as eight-years-old have been finding used needles which have been discarded after school and found the following day.

“The situation is ongoing.

“The police have been contacted however nothing has been resolved. The parents are up in arms.”

School Principal Jeremy Payne said: “I share the concerns of parents and local residents about an ongoing problem with drugs users occasionally using the churchyard and parts of the school grounds at night.

“The safety of the children in our care is our primary concern and we are working with the local authority and the police to deal with this problem.”

He said the neighbourhood policing team has agreed to increase the number of patrols in the area, and the school has implemented measures to prevent risk to children.

And Mr Payne said he has contacted parents to make them aware of the situation and to outline the multi-agency steps being taken to deal with the problem.

He added: “School staff carry out daily inspections of the school and all children have been told to speak to an adult if they see anything in the grounds which shouldn’t be there.

“We are working in co-ordination with the police on further measures to prevent drugs users from using the site.

“I would like to thank parents for their ongoing support as we work with the police and the local authority to deal with this problem.

“Parents can help by reporting anything they see to the school and the police, as well as warning their children about the dangers of picking items up off the floor.”