A PRESTON businessman is urging drug users to clean up their act and stop using his land as a dumping ground for dirty syringes.

Andrew Quigley, owner of Quigley's Carpet Hypermarket, in Ribbleton Lane, Preston, is appealing to drug users to take a detour to one of the town's drop off points for used needles.

It comes after needles were found on the firm's car park last week by gardener Stan Salisbury.

And although the firm contacted Preston Borough Council, they refused to clear the needles for free as they had been discovered on private property and not council-owned land.

Mr Quigley claims the council's clearance figures quoted could put a small firm out of business.

According to a council spokesman there is a £60 standard charge for clearing needles and £10 toward the cost of incineration for every ten syringes found. A council spokesman said: "Whether it be fly tipping or needles Mr Quiqley has a duty to maintain his own land. It is just that needles are a more emotive subject."

Now, in a bid to move the drug users on, Mr Quigley is urging addicts to drop off their needles at Ribbleton Pharmacy which runs a needle exchange programme.

The pharmacy's initiative aims to promote the health and safety of drug users and people in the town by allowing needles to be exchanged freely.

Drug users can pop in to the chemist, during opening times, and drop-off their needles in exchange for clean ones. It is offered on a 'no questions asked' basis and people can use the service in confidence.