A SPIKE in reports of used syringes and needles littering parts of the city centre has sparked a police and council crackdown to tackle the problem.

Over the last three years, the council said it had anecdotally seen a steady increase in reports of discarded syringes with a noticeable spike in reports over the last six months.

It comes after a "disgusted" Worcester News readers discovered two used needles left on a windowsill and on the floor beside a toilet in Angel Place's public toilets.

The man had gone to use the facility with his four-year-old son on a Saturday afternoon but was dismayed they were not immediately removed.

A spokeswoman for Worcester City Council said hazardous materials should be cleaned up within 24 hours according to its service standards but it aimed to remove needles in council buildings as soon as possible.

She said the spike could be down to more vigilant reporting by people and the have been working closely with police.

"We have reviewed the out of hours contact procedure and our out of hours provider has refreshed it’s operator training to ensure that the correct contact procedures are followed in future and issues such as this are reported to the on duty supervisor.

"For needles in council premises then we aim to respond as soon as possible as we have staff on duty at all times that the toilets are open although they do not have toilet attendants.

"Our street cleansing teams have noticed an increase in the amount of needles found in a small number of areas of the city, which appear to be frequented by drug users and we are working closely with the police regarding this."

Working together with West Mercia Police, the council has been reporting the locations where needles have been found to officers.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell, policing commander for South Worcestershire said he did not think it was an emerging trend but officers were committed to tackling the harm caused by the demand and supply of illegal drugs.

"We have recently, in keeping with what is best for Worcester, increased the briefing and patrol activities that we do in partnership with the city council enforcement officers.

"This is paying dividends through an intelligence led approach and working closely with our community safety partners in identifying locations believed to be frequented by drug users.

"Taking such an approach has led to increased patrols within Worcester city centre, using both uniformed and plain clothes staff to target areas where there is intelligence or evidence of drugs activity to frustrate use.

"This most certainly includes centre public toilets to prevent and detect drug crime.

"I do not think this is an emerging trend, this is a good example of police and partners working more closely together in a co-ordinated manner to tackle and deal with issues that harm our communities."

Marcus Hart, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for Health and Well-being said there were specific facilities available to dispose of used needles

"Drug and alcohol support services are delivered by agency CRI on behalf of Worcestershire County Council.

"Used needles can be either disposed of via local pharmacies where safe, sharps bins are provided or returned directly to the needle exchange at CRI."

He added that for information or support around any drug and alcohol issues contact 01905 721020 between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm.