A BUSY Inverclyde beauty spot has been turned into a vandal-hit drink and drugs den less than a fortnight before it welcomes the Queen’s Baton relay.

The Tele can reveal that a picnic area right next to Newark Castle in Port Glasgow has become strewn with broken glass, empty beer and cider cans — and even used needles.

Benches have also been ripped up and a sign telling visitors about the historic 15th century castle has been burnt by yobs.

Plastic bags, empty crisp packets and clothing were also littered around when we visited the site yesterday.

The discovery comes less than two weeks before the castle features on the Inverclyde leg of the baton relay.

Local people fear that spectators and batonbearers will be given a terrible impression of the area due to the unsightly mess.

Concerns are also growing that the rubbish — particularly used needles and other drugs paraphernalia found at the site — could harm pets.

Port man Phil McDonald, who regularly walks his dog at Newark Castle Park, was irate after his dog almost stood on a needle.

Phil said: “I found two needles at the picnic area near the rocks.

“My wee dog just missed standing on one, so people need to be vigilant if they are down there.” Police have today vowed to increase their patrols of the site and have also asked for the public’s help to combat the problem.

Sergeant Allan O’Hare said: “We have only received one call for this area in the last few months and are grateful that the problem has been highlighted to us.

“We would encourage the public who witness any offences being committed at Newark Castle, whether it be littering, street drinking or drug use, to report the matter to ourselves or the community wardens.

“We will increase patrols of this area during the summer months and deal with any offences we find robustly.” Inverclyde Council, which is responsible for the land, says staff regularly clean the area but have also urged the public to do their bit to help keep it tidy.

A spokesman said: “Every effort is made to keep the site clear of litter and other debris and we would ask people to show a little pride in Inverclyde and the historic nature of Newark Castle by putting their rubbish in bins or taking it with them.

“We will be addressing all grounds maintenance issues — the benches and vandalised sign — before the Queen’s Baton Relay celebrations later this month.” Historic Scotland, which is in charge of the castle, did not want to comment.