A FORMER police officer has weighed into a debate on the state of Keighley’s Devonshire Park after he said he saw men injecting themselves with heroin in the park.

Mark Scrimshaw, who was a West Yorkshire Police officer for 28 years, said he spotted the drug abuse while he was part of a group being given a tour by the park’s volunteer friends group.

Also in this group was Keighley councillor Anayat Mohammad, who has hit out at the park’s condition, as previously reported. He said drug-related crime was discouraging law abiding people from visiting the park.

His view was contested by Kate Toch, of Friends of Devonshire Park, who said any lack of public use of the park was more due to people’s changing lifestyles than fears of drug crime.

But Mr Scrimshaw said he was “very disappointed” to witness open drug abuse in the park, adding: “It was being done casually, as though it was something routine.

“I was already aware Keighley had a drug problem, as do so many other places. But it was a shame to see this happening. It wasn’t even after dark.”

Mr Scrimshaw, who lives in Shipley and now works as an environment warden, attended the recent Friends of Devonshire Park tree walk with other members of the public.

“The tree walk itself was very good, but while we were listening to a talk I saw three guys 50 yards away roll up their sleeves and inject themselves with heroin – one at a time,” he said.

“Two were in their 20s, with the eldest maybe being in his early 30s.

“It’s otherwise a pleasant enough park, but unfortunately it’s also regarded as a quiet corner for drug dealers and drug users.”

Ms Toch responded: “Friends of Devonshire Park are well aware that there are those who use both legal and illegal ‘drugs’ in many places in Keighley and in every town and city in the country.

“However, is it a good idea to let three people who sometimes spend 10 minutes administering their illegal drugs in the park, define the social space for all time?

“Our Lunchtime Tree Walks have shown there is energy and enthusiasm to enjoy the many other aspects of the park.

“With an effective group of volunteers there’s no doubt we could help to transform the space to provide educational and social activities that are legal, for all ages.

“I hope the former West Yorkshire Police officer reported to the police or Crimestoppers, what he saw.

“It was clear from what he said that these three people had no impact on 43 of the 44 people enjoying the walk 50 yards away.

“We can all play a part in helping police rid our streets of those who trade in misery.”