PILES of drug needles discarded by addicts were still just yards from a children's playground - 10 days after being reported.

The Examiner revealed on Tuesday, August 30, how gangs of addicts used a spot next to the May Street park in Crosland Moor to inject heroin into themselves.

They then left a trail of blood-stained tissues and needles in the grass.

The green space is used by families, youngsters playing and people walking dogs.

Elaine Dewhirst, who reported the first incident, said: "I couldn't believe it. The needles were still there.

"How long should we have to wait before they were disposed of safely and no longer prevent a risk to our community?"

She told the Examiner how her daughter, 15-year-old Stacey Elson, was out walking the family pet when she came across the filthy hypodermic hoard.

Ms Dewhirst, a care worker, said: "We contacted the police last Saturday and they told us they would contact Kirklees Council's Environmental Health Department to get the needles removed.

"Stacey went up on Tuesday night and they were still there. It is disgusting.

"I contacted the council myself on Tuesday when I realised they were still there."

The Examiner contacted Kirklees on Wednesday afternoon - and staff cleaned up the possibly deadly syringes within an hour.

A spokesman said: "An initial search for the needles last week was unsuccessful.

"But they have now been retrieved, with the help of the local resident who reported them."