Concerns needle exchange van exposes families to drug use

There are concerns a needle exchange program in Perth's southern suburbs is exposing families to drug use.

The WA AIDS Council van travels to locations around Perth, collecting used syringes and handing out clean ones in an effort to prevent the spread of HIV.

But residents in Gosnells say the van parks too close to a local market, and are calling on the WA AIDS Council to move it.

They claim they've seen drug users injecting in the area and dumping used syringes in public bins. They also claim the van is frequented by drug dealers.

The WA AIDS Council says the van has operated 150 metres away from the market entrance for 15 years.

Acting CEO Willie Rowe told 9NEWS the organisation isn't aware of any concerning behaviour in the area, but staff are trained to move on drug users who may be injecting near the market.

The Gosnells District Progress and Ratepayers Association says it doesn't have a problem with the needle exchange program, but wants the van moved to a different location.

The group plans to approach the Health Minister about the issue.