A pub in Weaste, Salford, has come under fire after used needles were found by a family celebrating a private party.
Stacy Prescott, 35, from Salford thought it would be a good idea to entertain her aunt, who was visiting from Australia, with a buffet and drinks at the Weaste Hotel on Edward Avenue on Sunday 30 August.
But the afternoon didn’t go quite as she planned.
Hairdresser Stacy had paid £50 for the use of the downstairs room and had prepared food for invited guests and family, including several children under 5.
However she was horrified when she went into the beer garden at the rear of the pub and noticed several used hypodermic syringes lying on the ground.
“When I saw these used needles I complained to the manager straight away, but his attitude was quite bizarre”, she said.
“He told me that that children shouldn’t go into the beer garden, which is an unbelievable attitude to take.
“There are no signs saying that children aren’t allowed in the beer garden, it is simply ridiculous.
“Some of the children attending were only one year old whilst others were aged between 4 -11, can you imagine what would have happened if one of them had picked up a dirty syringe? It hardly bears thinking about.”
Stacey says she was told the needles had been dropped out of a first-floor window by a resident staying in the bed and breakfast above the pub.
The Weaste Hotel closed in January 2013 when the previous owners left.
It re-opened under new management in May 2014 with permission for around 15 short-tenancy rooms upstairs.
Watch: Rumours quashed as Weaste Hotel to re-open as a pub
“We tried to make the best of it but as you can imagine it put a real downer on the occasion,” said Stacey.
SalfordOnline.com spoke to the day manager of the Weaste Hotel, Bryan, who told us. “I am extremely upset to hear about this incident, I was not on duty yesterday and only found out today.
“We are taking this very seriously and have contacted the Environmental Health to take away the syringes.
“We have made enquiries with the tenants to find out who discarded these items and carried out room inspections.
“If we find anybody is taking drugs they will be shown the door and the police contacted.
“I do apologise to the lady concerned and ask to contact me for a personal apology on behalf of the company.
Councillor Paul Wilson, who represents Weaste told SalfordOnline.com: “I am very concerned to hear about this incident and have spoken to Salford Council about the matter.
“I am concerned that this behaviour could put patrons at risk and could involve various health hazards.
“If drug use is going on in these premises then we shall be liasing with Greater Manchester Police.
“I shall be contacting the owners of the Weaste Hotel for a comment today also I shall be contacting the young lady concerned.
The Weaste Hotel is now due to close for up to three weeks for refurbishments.
