ADDICT'S PLAYTIME IN CABRAMATTA PARK

A DRUG addict passes out on a park bench with a needle hanging from
his arm while used syringes and rubbish litter the ground. This is
the scene that confronts the children of Cabramatta daily as they play
in their local park.

The situation at Hughes St playground has become so bad students from
Cabramatta West Public School have asked Fairfield council to do
something about it.

The letter, signed by Year 6 students, tells of addicts with knives and
used syringes in the playground.

"We have been approached by addicts and have seen them in the yards of
our units," they say.

"We have come across people lying on the ground with their lips
turning purple and stuff coming out of their mouths.

"We really want the playground cleaned up so it is safe to play in."

Fairfield councillor Thang Ngo yesterday said he was appalled by the
blatant drug activity in the park, dubbed Cabramatta's "open air
injecting room".

Mr Ngo said he would take the children's letter to Police Commissioner
Peter Ryan.

"I believe the local police do want to do something but their
resources are overstretched."

When The Daily Telegraph visited the playground yesterday four addicts
shot up on the park bench in just 15 minutes.

Local residents said it was a daily occurrence.