THERE has been an increase in the number of needles found in public places in York city centre.

Businesses and members of the public have raised concerns with the council’s community safety team about a rise in discarded needles.

A report prepared for City of York Council’s Health, Housing & Adult Social Care Policy and Scrutiny Committee said several organisations are working to tackle the issue by offering needle exchanges, distributing plastic needle bins and talking to the individuals responsible.

Cllr Chris Cullwick, speaking at the committee meeting, said the problem is “very concerning” and asked council officers for an update. Jane Mowat, head of community safety at the council, said: “It is very early days but I haven’t had a report from a member of the public for the last month, so clearly it is beginning to have an impact.”

Tom Brittain, assistant head of housing and community safety, said: “The national increase in public awareness of the direct and indirect consequences of drug taking is something we recognise, particularly with so many town and city centres affected. We encourage the public to report instances which help us and partner enforcement agencies to respond more quickly and effectively. To prompt a timely discussion at Safer York Partnership and with scrutiny committees we shared these public observations which helped reinforce the potential impact of this issue.”