A MOTHER has spoken out about drug use after her sons found dozens of needles, some used, near a play area in a Kent city.

Carol Harris, who lives in Tunstall Road, Canterbury, said: "It is scary when you think of how many children, many of them toddlers, play there.

"The drug problem has got much worse here in the past six months."

More than 40 needles were collected by Mrs Harris's husband, Kerry, in a bucket and locked in their garden shed.

Konrad Harris, 15, was among those who made the find. He said: "These people are wasting their lives and putting ours in danger."

His brother Nathan, 11, said: "I think these people should be punished more for what they do."

* For the full story and comment see Thursday's Kentish Gazette.