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Dumped needles put lives in danger
Junkies are putting innocent people's lives at risk by throwing away used needles which can be infected with killer diseases.
Hartlepool Borough Council has already been called out to collect 32 needles thrown away by drug addicts into bushes, back alleys and fields this year.
Last year 134 pieces of drug litter were picked up by the council's needle collection team, which runs a 24-hour service to rid the town's streets of drug paraphernalia. In 2008 it was 171.
The Mail revealed at the beginning of this month how 843 people in Hartlepool have received treatment for heroin addiction in 12 months.
Agencies and police admitted the town has a problem with the drug and vowed to do everything in their power to stop the rot.
Albert Cope, environment manager for the council, said: "There is no excuse for people dropping needles. It's dangerous and reckless.
"It's innocent people who are being put at risk and that is not acceptable.
"Unfortunately, it tends to be children who find needles and they don't realise how dangerous they are. They have seen them on TV and can see them as toys."
The service has been running for the last decade and needles are picked up within two hours.
All drug paraphernalia collected by council workers is put in a sealed sharps box and incinerated.
Mr Cope added: "Quite simply, the more needles we dispose of the better.
"Our message to people is simple: do not even think about touching them. Always phone to report what you have found and we will come and dispose of the needles correctly."
The Mail reported last year how Debra Chapman's two daughters, Savannah Murphy, three and her five-year-old sister, Gypsey, were rushed to hospital for tests after using needles they picked up in the back street of their grandmother's house in Brafferton Street, Hartlepool, for a game of doctors and nurses.
Debra, 28, who lives in the town's Suggitt Street, said: "They were given blood tests and injections for hepatitis and we had to wait three months to get the all-clear. It was horrible waiting."
The needle collection service is on (01429) 523333 between 9am-4pm and an out-of-hours service can be contacted on (01429) 869424.
A needle exchange service can be contacted on 07734 883730.
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Weather for Hartlepool
Monday 13 February 2012
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