Concerns raised over Doncaster playground overrun by 'drug dealers and prostitutes'

Doncaster families today expressed growing concerns over safety at a crime-hit playground they claim has been taken over by drug dealers and prostitutes.
Residents say the popular childrens playground on Broxholme Lane in Doncaster town centre has become a no-go zone for families due to crimes being committed  including drug dealing, drug taking and prostitution.Residents say the popular childrens playground on Broxholme Lane in Doncaster town centre has become a no-go zone for families due to crimes being committed  including drug dealing, drug taking and prostitution.
Residents say the popular childrens playground on Broxholme Lane in Doncaster town centre has become a no-go zone for families due to crimes being committed including drug dealing, drug taking and prostitution.

Residents say the popular children’s playground on Broxholme Lane in Doncaster town centre has become a no-go zone for families due to crimes being committed – including drug dealing, drug taking and prostitution.

Shocked resident Phil Penfold says he saw a man inject a drug user with heroin at the park in the middle of the day during a school holiday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s just disgusting, the man had no shame and lifted up his top while the other man injected his stomach,” said Mr Penfold, who lives on Lawn Road, just a few streets over from the park.”

The 66-year-old added: “I understand people have problems and addictions but to do something like that in the middle of a playground, in half-term when there could be kids there, is appalling.

“I feel for them, but I am more concerned for any child who could pick up a needle and get hurt or infected with something. I called the police about what I’d seen, but I haven’t seen any more patrols or police around here since.”

The incident is believed to have occurred at around midday on March 21.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A police spokesman said: “Police were called following concerns from a member of the public about possible drug-related criminality in the park near to Broxholme Lane, Doncaster.

“Reassurance has been offered to the caller and local officers will increase their visibility in that area.”

Inspector Lynne Lancaster, from the Local Policing Team, added: “We are not aware of any further reports of this nature in the park in that area in recent months, but would urge any members of the public with concerns about this issue to contact us or speak to local officers so we can take the appropriate action.”

Town Centre councillor Sue Knowles said: “Police have done a lot to improve that area, and I’m not aware of this incident or some of the crimes that have been mentioned.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m going to raise this, and work with police to do what we can to improve things.”

Residents have also taken to social media to share their concerns about the park.

Kelly Langfield said: “That whole area’s bad. I drove down Kings Road the other day and there were two lads dealing – that whole area needs sorting, it’s disgusting.”

Luke Brundish said: “I have stood outside my place of business in the past in this area watching an actual drug deal take place while a police car slowly strolled past looking at me like it was me committing some sort of offence, disregarding the crime being committed.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dawnie Davison said: “I used to live on Broxholme lane. Never in my life had I been so scared to go the shop! It’s rife all over that area and it will never change.

“Either legalise it and put a tax stamp on the stuff or hand out more than a slap on the wrist – it’s simple.”

William Gursky added: “I see drug taking, drinking in public, fighting, stealing, prostitution.”