SINCE I wrote (Letters, June 9) about dumping and tree damage in our neighbourhood, an old settee and several other items were also dumped.

But this took a more sinister turn as the settee contained a needle and a small girl was unlucky enough to get it stuck into her as she played on the only play equipment in the area -- an old settee (LET, June 13).

The child had to have medical tests for infections. The police, I understand, were notified.

I don't know about the rest of my neighbours but that's enough for me. I want our councillors and the environment departments to get the mess cleared without delay and a compulsory purchase order put on the site which has been an eyesore for years.

Do we really have to wait for a fatality or a child to get a disease from a hypodermic before the councillors wake up in Wensley Fold?

They can never say they were not aware of a problem, but even that would not surprise me.

SAM SPENCE, Ribblesdale Place, Blackburn.