THE Probation Service has launched an investigation after discarded needles were found by children in the grounds of a bail hostel.

Mother-of-three Natasha Burton, 34, of Lydia Street, Accrington, says her children found the used needles in the grounds of nearby Highfield House. Mrs Burton, a community care worker, says another boy from the area also saw someone burying something in the grounds of the hostel, also on Lydia Street, and told his grandfather who dug them up and found a bag of powder.

Between 50 and 100 used syringes were also found in a nearby house after she called the Environmental Health department. That was a year ago and after going to the hostel to explain, Mrs Burton says nothing was done. About three weeks ago the problem started again, she said. "My children found another lot at the top of the steps leading to the hostel. I went up to the hostel and there were needles all over the grass. They said if people were found using drugs they were automatically discharged. So if they are an addict they can't use on those grounds.

"I have got children who can't play out.

"I don't want it there but I suppose they have to do it somewhere."

The Home Office-approved hostel is one run by Lancashire Probation Service for people who have either been remanded from the courts and are awaiting trial, those remanded after sentence or released from prison on licence, and people on community rehabilitation orders. It is easily accessible to youngsters playing in the area.

Mrs Burton has contacted Hyndburn MP Greg Pope and said she rang the police two weeks ago and was told someone would go round, but they hadn't. "If any of my children stand on any of these needles I'm going to get them fingerprinted and then go higher because I have had enough," she said. The children are finding them continually. My children and my friend's children have actually found drugs in the past."

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph visited the site and saw one needle inside the hostel grounds and another just outside the perimeter fence.

"That needle has been there for two weeks now," said Mrs Burton of the one inside the grounds.

"I'm not going to keep coming up and picking them up. I don't see why I should."

Greg Pope said he had passed Mrs Burton's letter to the chief executive of Lancashire Probation Service. "I'm very concerned and I have asked them if they would investigate," he said.

"I'm a parent and I would be pretty concerned if my kids were coming across used hypodermic needles."

A spokesman for Lancashire Probation Service said: "A letter drawing attention to concerns that had been raised has been received today by the probation chief officer John Crawforth. He is ensuring that the service is now investigating this matter very thoroughly." She added that anyone in the hostel found violating the terms of residence would be returned to custody immediately.

Inspector Phil Cottam, commander of Accrington Police, said police had informed the relevant authority of the problem.