DRUG addicts are using York churches as sites to dump their used syringes, the Evening Press can reveal.

We have learned that dozens of needles discarded by careless addicts have been found at two of York's holy places.

Yesterday, Guy Fowler, the verger of St Michael-le-Belfrey, located in the shadow of York Minster, revealed he had found a needle in a lane leading up to the historic building.

The church, in High Petergate, is well known for being the place where Guy Fawkes was baptised in 1570.

Mr Fowler also said he found "scores" of used syringes around St Cuthbert's Church, opposite the Peasholme Green homeless hotel.

When the Evening Press visited the site, we found more than half-a-dozen needles lying around.

Mr Fowler said he was appalled to find evidence of drug abuse outside places of worship.

And he added that he was very concerned the syringes were being hidden by falling leaves, leaving a potential health trap for worshippers.

"I was preparing St Michael-le-Belfrey for a lunchtime service when I found the syringe," he said.

"I also uncovered a problem at the back of St Cuthbert's Church where I have found a bunch of needles.

"I know there have been a spate of syringes found across the city, and it appears that more and more are being found in unusual places.

"But I was appalled to find syringes outside churches. Although working for the church, I tend to come into situations where I meet people who have contact with drugs.

"What I am very concerned about is that with the autumn in full swing, the leaves are covering the needles. You can't see them."

A City of York Council spokesman said: "Like every other city centre, people are using drugs and needles and disposing of them in York.

"Our staff come across them every day and work very hard to remove them.

"People who find needles should ring us on 01904 636000. We always make their collection a priority."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "There is no need for anyone to dump their dirty needles in public places.

"That's why we support needle exchanges. We feel that we are probably only talking about a small proportion of hypodermic users who do dump their used syringes.

"It is important to point out that incidents where people have been harmed by needles are very rare but, obviously, we warn people to be careful."

Updated: 08:46 Thursday, November 01, 2001