Residents have voiced their anger over used needles being left in woodland in Caerphilly town.
Michael Thomas, from Caerphilly, regularly walks in the Nant yr Aber woodland between Gallagher Retail Park and the Kingsmead estate with his daughters.
Mr Thomas estimates that he has found around 400 needles in the area in the past year.
Mr Thomas said: “About a year ago I noticed a big bunch of needles in the woodland.
“The council came and sorted it out but the needles kept coming back.”
Mr Thomas said he took some needles to be examined and was told they may have been used for heroin and methadone consumption.
Mr Thomas also explained that an old gentleman was walking through the woodland with his dog, which stood on a needle.
He added: “Also, a resident’s son was out playing and brought a needle back to the house.
“It’s a persistent danger to the public. Who knows what could happen?
“I’m spending around two hours each day picking up needles and will be having a meeting with Caerphilly County Borough Council and Link Housing Association to work on a plan to prevent fly-tipping and restore the woodland.”
Cllr Shayne Cook got involved after seeing posts by Mr Thomas on Facebook.
Cllr Cook said: “I was shocked to see so many discarded needles and I was concerned that a child would come to some harm from coming into contact with them.
“I contacted the council waste management department and they acted immediately to remove the needles and household waste. I have asked the council enforcement team to keep a close eye on the area.”
Cllr Jamie Pritchard said: “Since the shocking pictures surfaced online we have tried to support Mr Thomas in his quest to clean up the woodland.
“I have been contacted by a number of residents who are unsure on how to report discarded needles. If you do find needles then please call the council on 01443 815588 on weekdays and 01443 875500 on weekends.”
A Caerphilly County Borough Council spokesperson said: “Our waste management team visited the area recently, along with a local ward member and resident, to remove needles and drug paraphernalia from the site.
“The council has also worked in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy previously to remove illicit tipping and litter from the area. In addition, our enforcement officers have visited residents whose homes back into the wooded area to discuss the issues of waste being thrown over fences.”