SHOPKEEPERS on Pall Mall, in Chorley are alarmed after a bag of used syringes was found in the street.

One trader said two young men were seen acting strangely going into the public toilets close to the Big Lamp Roundabout at the junction of Pall Mall and Market Street.

The shopkeeper, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "It was about lunchtime when we saw the lads go into the toilets.

"When they came out they were acting like they were on something.

"They sat on the wall next to the toilets, and after they had gone we realised they left behind a bag on the wall.

"I went across to have a look, and it was full of needles.

"They were just in a paper bag -- some were still dripping with blood."

The store owner phoned the police, and a council worker collected the needles a little later.

Andy Goodfellow, of Chorley Borough Council, said: "We aim to deal with needles within half an hour.

"These cases are treated with the highest urgency and specially trained workers with the necessary equipment -- gloves and sharp boxes -- will take them away and dispose of them."

The store keeper said: "I think the people are sick! People like that are in and out of the toilets all day.

"There is a bin nearby too, they could've thrown them away easily."