PITY our poor postmen and women. Not only are they assailed by rampant dogs and other sundry dangers on their rounds, but now junkies are dumping syringes in local post boxes.

Bosses are issuing warnings to them to watch out for the syringes during collections, as the concealed needles threaten Aids and other diseases.

People on drugs are not the most responsible in society, but this sort of syringe dumping is a deliberate and vicious act. Bolton has systems in operation for disposal of needles, and these are well known.

We urge anyone using drugs in this way to not endanger the lives of men and women doing a vital daily job. We also hope that the police and courts will come down hard on anyone found committing such a stupid crime.