DRUG addicts dumping used syringes in Bolton post boxes are putting the health of Bolton collecting staff in danger.

The reckless practice, believed to widespread throughout the borough, has prompted fears that concealed needles could spread AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases. A Royal Mail worker revealed: "It's a hazard that some of my colleagues have to face day in day out. It's definitely a worry."

Sgt Bill Crittenden of Bolton police condemned irresponsible drug users for putting others at risk.

"This is a dangerous practice," he said. "It's a stupid thing to do and somebody is going to get hurt. All drug users are given plenty of opportunities to dispose of their needles properly through safe boxes and needle exchange schemes."

Trained

A Royal Mail spokesman conceded there had been incidents in various parts of the country, including Bolton.

She said: "Postmen and women are trained to be aware of this sort of thing and that's all we can do really. Unfortunately it does happen from time to time but we are not aware of Bolton having a particular problem."

Gary Oulds, service manager for Bolton Community Drugs Team, expressed concern that some drugs users are still not disposing of their needles safely.

"There's no excuse for it," he said. "If that's happening it's a stupid practice from anybody's point of view."

Bolton has a central needle exchange run by the community drugs team at Higher Bridge Street and eight chemists in Bolton and Wigan participate in a further syringe collection and replacement scheme.

All are disposed of through a contract with a clinical waste disposal company and the number of needles taken and returned is closely monitored to ensure there is no serious discrepancy.

Sandy Nesbitt, co-ordinator of Bolton Drug Action Team, which brings together various agencies, said: "The unfortunate thing is we do have some drugs users who are not in touch with the drugs services and who might be getting their needles and so on from elsewhere."

Members of the public concerned about any needles which have not been properly disposed of can ring the council's 24-hour sharps hotline on 0800 7319835.