THERE is concern surrounding litter, mess and possible drug use in Bude, after needles, syringes, old rubbish and evidence of the site being used as a toilet, were found in the Pill Box at Crooklets recently.

The Pill Box, an old Second World War lookout post, has been situated in the cliffs at Crooklets beach, for some 70 years. It has been closed off for some time, but many were looking forward to visiting it again when plans for the Bude at War event [September 16 to 17] came about, announcing that the National Trust had granted permission for the building to be opened again so people can view inside.

However, concern has arisen after needles and syringes were discovered inside the Pill Box, and there was evidence of the building being used as a toilet. Now people are warning others to keep their children and dogs away from the site for fear of harm. Toilet roll was also found, suggesting that people could have been using the Pill Box as a toilet.

The lady who came across the mess was walking her dog with her friend, when they saw that the Pill Box had been opened. Curiosity took over, and the pair went to take a look. When they saw the mess inside, she took to Facebook and posted a warning on the page, Bude Banter.

She said: “Two men, who were also walking their dogs, had taken a look, as one of them said he had played in it as a child. They said there was a toilet roll in there and when my friend looked, there were syringes.

“I was obviously concerned about children and dogs entering, hence my post, and was going to try and contact someone today [last Monday] to try and get it cleaned up.”

She told the Post that she had been in touch with Mark Humphreys, who is involved in the Bude at War event.

She said: “He opened the Pill Box and found it full of rubbish, which must have been in there when it was closed. He is cleaning it out and is then going to fit a door so that it can be closed off again. He said that he did not expect to find it in such a state.

“Hopefully it will soon be cleared, made safe and be able to be used for the commemoration event.”

Mark has been helping to clear out the Pill Box, and is hoping to install a steel door so that unwanted access is prevented.

He said: “We are not sure if it was built for home defence or for the training of the American Rangers. It was badly abused and used as a toilet and a general rubbish dump until the National Trust closed it up.

“I have broken through the blocked up doorway and started to remove some of the rubbish from inside. It is approximately two feet deep in cans, bottles, plastic bags, rocks and everything you wouldn’t like — it is disgusting.”

So far, Mark has removed about ten rubble bags and four ‘dumpy’ bags full of rubbish and mess from the Pill Box.

He added: “I returned to it today to find a holidaymaker using it as a toilet — there was even a toilet roll in there! There were a lot of needles strewn across the floor that weren’t there last week — it was very frustrating, to say the least.

“A steel door is going to be put on as soon as we have cleared the doorway. What would be a great help is a mini digger that we could use for a day!”

Since speaking to the Post, Mark reported that Red Post Joinery has offered to fit a solid, wooden door to the pill box, and have also offered a free mini digger to help with the work, provided by owner, Jordan.

In regards to the suggestion of drug use, a spokesperson from Devon and Cornwall Police said they will be looking at this location now it has been brought to their attention.

A spokesperson said: “We would encourage anyone to report any suspected drug misuse in the community to us and anyone who finds drugs equipment in public places is asked to report this to both police (via 101) and Cornwall Council, who will remove needles and paraphernalia safely.”

The police urge anyone with concerns of the safety and wellbeing of anyone they know, in relation to possible drug use, to visit their website.