A call is being made for those disposing of hypodermic needles in Liskeard to take the safest measures - following the continuing discovery of many of the needles in a back alley in the middle of town.

Such is his concern about the situation that Allan Clarke, who works for Bay Tree Trading on Bay Tree Hill, ensures he has warned the dustmen about the risk of finding needles in the vicinity. He also never puts dustbin sacks out until the last moment, and every morning checks that no more needles have been thrown into the alley, at the back of Bay Tree Trading and Boots.

The needles he regularly finds have been prescribed, and have been placed into containers which are supposed to be safely returned to chemists. However, he says they are thrown around indiscriminately.

He explained: 'I know they are in containers, but when they are just chucked on the concrete for anyone to find they could easily break. It is also very wrong. They should be handed in, and not left around for other people to clear away.'

He also ensures that no children play in the alley, because of the dangers he says are present due to the needles. The problem is heightening, but he says it is not new. A while ago his employer, Charles Crossthwaite, had to go on to the roof of the building, and discovered a number of used needles.

Mr Clarke, who is factory manager of the wet suits section at Bay Tree Trading, says he hands the containers into Boots. One suggestion put forward was that a 'safe' bin for their return be put in the area, but he fears that if that occurred the bin would just be broken open, and there would be a worse problem.

He said that the best solution was for those taking the prescribed drugs to be sensible enough to hand in their needles direct to the right premises, and not just to abandon them. Boots is a reception centre for the safe disposal of such needles, and complies to strict health and safety rules.

His fears have been shared by others in the town, who say they would like to see Liskeard 'cleaned up'. They have called for a by-law to stop drinking in public places in the town as they say this frequently leads to vandalism. However, they are also worried about the number of hypodermic needles left around.