RESIDENTS are concerned about conspicuous drug users shooting up in a car park.

Those living in the New Town area of Colchester have reported people taking drugs in the car park behind Aldi.

The Magdalen Street car park is partly for Aldi customers but some spaces are for residents living above the store in the Bakery Place flats owned by Swan Housing.

Most of the drug taking allegedly happens in the undercover area, managed by the housing association.

One resident called police after seeing a woman “slumped behind a suitcase with a tourniquet around her arm”, at about 6pm on Thursday.

Ward councillor Theresa Higgins (Lib Dem) said the drug-taking is an ongoing issue.

She said: “It has been a hotspot for drugs for some time but it has got more blatant with some people shooting up in the car park itself.

“There was also rubbish piled up on Monday. It is down to Swan Housing to make sure it is put out in the correct way.”

Swan Housing said staff know about the drug-taking and are working with police.

A spokesman said: “Swan’s Neighbourhoods Team is fully aware of the drug issue and have been liaising regularly with the police.

“We issued a letter to residents and invited them to attend a police community meeting.

“We encourage anyone who witnesses drug use to report it to us or directly to police on 101.

“We are also looking to improve the lighting to help further deter drug users. We are exploring the option of introducing short-term security patrols and are considering longer term improvements to the car park which will restrict access to non-residents.”

The spokesman added Swan Housing regularly maintains the wooden bin store.

He said: “The surrounding land where the rubbish is being left is owned by Aldi who we are liaising with to ensure the area is cleared.

“In this instance, Swan has arranged for collection of the rubbish. We will discuss with Aldi the possibility of signs to encourage correct use of the bin stores.”

We also contacted Aldi for a comment.