A SYRINGE and pill bottle found discarded in a South Side park have left residents “furious”.

The items were found at the weekend in Elder Park, just metres from the popular play area and outdoor exercise equipment.

Govan Community Council has called for a clean-up operation to begin immediately.

A spokeswoman said: “It’s very worrying. The park and the library, there are places which are very much cherished by local people ... I’m sure there are problems like that city-wide, but we don’t want problems like this.”

She added: “We speak to lots of dog owners and families who use it regularly.

“Maybe it’s a different place at night, but during the day it’s lovely.

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“It’s been nice to see people sitting down with picnic blankets and enjoy themselves as we ease lockdown.”

The popular park has been of major benefit to those living nearby during lockdown, with hundreds of people flocking to the site to make use of the exercise and play facilities, as well as take part in outdoor gym classes.

Last year, more than 100 mourners visited the park for candle-lit vigil in honour of the late Mercy Baguma – a frequent visitor to the park – who tragically died in her home nearby.

However, it’s feared the discovery will cast a dark shadow over the area.

The community council official said: “Elder Park is too precious for this to be allowed.”

“The worst case scenario is it could end up a no-go area.

“The council needs to make sure it’s cleaned up. Parks are families.”

She added: “We talk about people being able to meet up in gardens, but a lot of people don’t have gardens.

“Elder Park is our garden. We can’t have this.”

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A spokesman for the council said the issue would be tackled swiftly.

He said: "It’s very disappointing to see drug-related litter left so close to a play area and we fully understand the local concern about this matter.

“Drug-related litter presents an obvious risk to health and safety and we always aim to have such items removed as a matter of urgency.

“Residents who encounter drug-related litter can report such incidents directly to the council by using the council website or the My Glasgow phone app.”