USED needles were found by the canal near Spring Lane on Monday.

A grounds maintenance worker discovered the needles and syringes whilst trimming hedges.

He warned dog walkers and passersby that there were needles in the vegetation that lines the pavement beside the canal.

A photograph shows one needle in the grass and twigs, near where a barge was docked.

The finding comes after an irritated resident wrote a letter to the Worcester News about empty cans ruining the area.

The letter read: “Once again the empty alcoholic cans and bottles litter the canal towpath in Worcester, in and around the area of Tallow Hill.”

It said: “Perhaps some councillors could spend a little less time with political posturing and trying to be someone and concentrate their efforts on actually doing something?”

A Worcester City Council spokesman said: “We received a report, on Tuesday, of needles being found and, in line with the Council’s policy, we will remove them within 24 hours.

“We are aware of litter problems within the Spring Lane area, and are working with local businesses and the Canal & River Trust to help address this.”

A spokesman from the police’s safer neighbourhood team said: “We have not had any reports of this from members of the public so the local safer neighbourhood team are currently not aware of the issue.

“We always ask members of the public to report antisocial behaviour to the police.

“The Cathedral Ward team will do patrols in the area to try and deter any antisocial behaviour and or drug use in the area.

“Disposal of needles and other drug paraphernalia is disposed of by the council so they should be called if they are located, but also inform the local team so we can be aware of the situation and increase patrols in the area.”

The needle photographed has now been removed by a member of staff from the council.

Members of the public are encouraged to report litter and other related issues online at worcester.gov.uk/report-it