Vicar makes plea for floodlights

Among the things found outside the church has been a syringe

A vicar in west Cumbria is appealing for floodlights for his church to stop young people taking drugs and having sex in the doorway.

The Reverend David Bickersteth has written to Maryport Town Council for money to install the lights at St Mary's Parish Church.

He and parishioners say it is distressing to see what is being left in the churchyard every night.

Among the things he has had to remove are syringes, condoms and glass.

Mr Bickersteth said: "I have found a syringe, spoon, on a number of occasions broken bottles, on numerous occasions cans and wine bottles and large numbers of cigarette butts and cigarette cartons littering the area.

Bottles smashed

"I have had to remove contraceptive devices, which is not a very pleasant experience. It usually has happened on the church step - the actual porch doorway of the step.

"There was one occasion when an entire crate of empty milk bottles was taken and smashed along the side of the church."

He said he believed young people were gathering around the church out of boredom.

He wants the church to be illuminated so there are no dark areas for people to congregate in.

The matter is due to be discussed by the council next week.