NEEDLES discarded by drug users in York are being overlooked by the council's clean-up teams, a disgusted city resident has claimed.

Emma Scott, of the Peasholme Centre, in Stonebow, said hundreds of dangerous needles, or "sharps", could be found in problem spots across the city.

She said: "There is a big risk of kids getting infected if they pick up these needles.

"Plus, this is a tourist city and we don't want this sort of thing here.

"There are hundreds of needles along Dundas Street, the Groves and around the back of Fibbers , to name but a few places."

Latest figures show that City of York Council dealt with 932 "sharps" last year, following successive hauls of 2,073 and 2,072 in the previous two years.

But a council spokeswoman said the dramatic decline was due to a multi-agency campaign to limit the number of needles dropped by users.

Compass drug treatment agency provides a needle exchange facility in Bridge Street, York, and boasts that almost 100 per cent of the needles it provides are subsequently returned.

Compass manager Carole Bishop said that up until a few weeks ago outreach workers would also pick up and safely dispose of discarded needles in the city.

She said: "Our funders have told us that it is beyond our remit to pick up needles so we are no longer doing that, but we will pass on the information of any needle finds.

"It is also important that people know how to report needles that they find in public or on their property."

Miss Scott said the situation had got worse in the last few months.

She said: "Compass used to clean up the needles for free but the council charges for this service, and they don't do it very well."

Other problem spots reportedly include tracks near Dodsworth Avenue and Museum Gardens, which is looked after by the York Museums Trust.

The council spokeswoman said trouble spots would be given extra attention.

She said: "City of York Council is working closely with a number of partners to try to limit the number of needles dumped in the city and this figure came down to 932 last year - well below the target figure of 2000.

"In view of the reports received by the Evening Press, we will be paying extra attention to these areas and we would urge any other residents who identify problem areas to let us know so that we can act quickly to do something about it. We always endeavour to respond within two hours of receiving a call."

Anyone wishing to report the location of a needle can phone the York Pride Action Line on 01904 551551.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, April 14, 2005