Drugs warning opposite police HQ

Posters have been put on the landings of the multi-storey

Concerns have been raised about addicts abusing drugs in a car park - directly opposite Tayside Police's headquarters and court buildings.

Police signs have been put up in the West Bell Street multi-storey, saying officers are aware of the drug-taking.

They also warn that officers and community safety wardens will check the area on a regular basis.

A force spokesman said the posters were aimed at encouraging people to report any drug use they witnessed.

He added that they were also designed to discourage addicts from gathering in the area.

Appearing in court

Car park user Michael Ferrie told the BBC Scotland news website he had not had any problems in the multi-storey, but was aware of potential issues.

"I have seen a lot of junkies in Dundee," he said.

He suggested that drug users might be going across the road to the car park to take heroin after appearing in court.

"I'm quite big, so if I see any of them on the stairs I wouldn't be bothered," he said.

"But if it was later on at night and maybe an older person on their own, it would be quite intimidating."

However, another motorist, Naeem Bhatti, did not see the point of the signs.

He said: "Drug users are not going to be doing the drugs in front of the police station. This is a silly sign.

The police headquarters can clearly be seen from the car park

"There are no drug users that are going to be here - it's in front of the police station and there's a court building there as well.

"This kind of sign should be fitted in Albert Street and Hilltown. Those areas have lots of drug users, but not here, not in this building."

Local councillor Liz Fordyce added: "They're being very brazen, but then I do understand that when people are using drugs they don't really care who sees them or what they're doing in public.

"We've got to remember that car park is across from Bell Street police station with big strapping policemen and beside the court, but it is also between Dundee College, Abertay University and it's within close proximity to the High School.

"So we have a lot of young people in that area who could be very badly affected by seeing someone dealing or using drugs in public and there's the fact they can be infected if they pick up a needle without realising what they're doing."

Ms Fordyce urged drivers to report anyone they saw abusing drugs in the car park to the police.