Peterborough City Council has said the number of discarded drug needles found in the city has fallen dramatically – a week after more than 70 were found on the Embankment in one day.

Between April and June 2026, a total of 173 needles were found across the city compared to 1,066 in the same period in 2025.

Decreases have occurred in several wards including North, East and Fletton and Woodston in these two periods. A total of 97 needles were found in North Ward compared to 372 last year. Nine were found in East and four in Fletton compared to 85 and 138 last year.

No finds were reported in Barnack during April to June 2026, whereas 210 needles were discovered there during the same quarter last year.

Fewer needles have been found on city streets than last year, the council has said

placeholder image — Fewer needles have been found on city streets than last year, the council has said

However, last week The Peterborough Telegraph reported that 71 needles were found during a clean of The Embankment on Wednesday, August 13. The clean up was part of Operation Horizon, tackling ASB and other issues in the city.

‘71 needles’ found at Peterborough Embankment during city centre clean-up

The council said that the 83.7 per cent decrease has been attributed to several factors including the continued use of needle bins across the city which have had 2,919 needles deposited between October 2019 and June 2026, which may otherwise have ended up on the streets.

Other factors include ongoing work with pharmacies to hand out sharps containers, allowing for needles and drugs paraphernalia to be safely discarded and then returned the pharmacy.

Councillor Ann Shaheed, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Homelessness and Poverty, said: “I'm delighted that the number of needles being found has decreased so substantially and would like to thank our officers and partners for their tireless work to tackle this issue, which is a problem effecting many towns and cities. However, we will not get complacent and continue to work proactively to keep communities safe.

“Our needle bins continue to be well-used preventing dangerous drugs paraphernalia from ending up on the streets, potentially coming into contact with children or vulnerable residents. We would encourage users to make use of the needle bins and ask members of the public to continue to report any finds to us.”

The council continues to actively work with organisations including Cambridgeshire Police, the drugs support group Aspire and local campaigners to tackle the issue and is reminding residents that 13 needle bins are located across the city. The bins are emptied by the council’s waste contractor Aragon Direct Services around every two months as they have a large capacity and are locked securely.

While residents are encouraged to report any needle finds to the council, people should never attempt to pick up any drugs paraphernalia that they find.

Anyone who finds discarded drugs equipment in Peterborough can report it by calling 01733 747474, online at www.peterborough.gov.uk