A SENIOR policeman has issued a grim forecast of drug-related crime and increased health risks - after a dramatic rise in the number of used hypodermic syringes found dumped around the borough.

Latest figures released by the local authority reveal a 147 per cent rise in the number of needles and syringes discovered in public places in the past year.

Detective Inspector John Walker, head of the East Lancs drugs squad, told the Citizen: "There's been a rise in the use of heroin and what worries me is the effect on the public. Addicts are responsible for a lot of crime and discarded needles are a great danger to children."

Up to the end of March this year council workers had discovered 2,683 individual needles, compared with 1,088 last year.

The potentially deadly needles were found in empty premises, where large single finds have netted up to 200 needles, parks and streets and in litter bins

Det Insp. Walker said: "I'm very surprised at the increase but I believe it's down to a small minority who're using more drugs."

Council staff are issued with protective gloves and other equipment to collect the needles for incineration.

Coun. Mike Barrett, chairman of the council's health and safety consultative group, said: "The council is aware of the problem. It's a tribute to the staff's hard work and awareness of this risk that so many have been disposed of and the safety of the public ensured."

Blackburn CommuniCare NHS Trust has operated a needle exchange scheme for addicts since 1990.

Its HIV Co-ordinator Kevin Hobbs said: "We've strict rules about bringing dirty needles back but not everyone adheres to them. I am disappointed with these figures and unhappy about them being found on the street but I do not believe the needles pose a significant public health risk."

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