A FIVE-inch kitchen knife found in a public park in Callington has brought local authority and community groups together in order to tackle anti-social behaviour in Callington.

Callington Volunteer Litter Pick Group found the blade in Saltash Road Recreation Ground at the end of September during one of its routine walks to collect litter dropped around the town.

Group organiser Mikkie Raphael, 27, put the image on Facebook which left local residents shocked that this was found in a park used by children.

‘The kitchen knife was found in the park, on the floor, right next to the swings and zip line. Any little one could have picked it up or even fallen on it, I sincerely hope that it was there innocently but I fear not.

‘Unfortunately, it is not just the knife that we have found during our litter picks, we have found drugs paraphernalia, in the way of needles. This incident has brought many groups together, including the police, all knowing that this is not acceptable.

‘We had this knife on display at Callington Honey Fair, in a safety capsule, and people were shocked and concerned that this was found in such an obvious position in a children’s play park.’

Helen Dowdall, parish clerk for Callington Town Council, said: ‘We are pleased that the group found the knife and brought it to the attention of the police. Between the town council, the Callington Volunteer Litter Pick Group, and the local police, we are working together to tackle litter problems and anti-social behaviour.

‘This was a very dangerous item to find but I am glad that we have a committed litter picking group that are willing to work with us.’

Devon and Cornwall Police advise people who see anyone taking drugs to contact the constabulary at the time in order for them to deal with the incident appropriately and robustly. You can contact the police on 101.

l Since Callington Volunteer Litter Pick Group started in May this year, it has collected 187 bags of rubbish, and by the end of the year Mikkie believes that total should reach in excess of 200.

The group meets on the first Saturday of the month — the next meeting will be on November 4 at 10am at Callington Town Square.