A COUPLE taking a morning stroll through Blackburn Cathedral grounds were shocked to discover a discarded box of used syringes.

John and Pauline Vaughan, who own the Record Exchange in Higher Church Street, Blackburn, contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph after making the grim discovery.

The bright yellow and red box carries the warning "danger destroy by incineration" and states that it should only be used for contaminated sharps.

Mr Vaughan said: "The bin was overflowing with rubbish and this plastic box was just lying on the top. It is a disgrace, especially when you consider that children could easily get their hands on it."

The Very Rev David Frayne, Provost of Blackburn Cathedral, said drug addicts using the cathedral grounds were a recurring problem.

He said: "From time to time we do find disused needles. Our staff are always on the lookout for them so we can dispose of them safely but we can't be here 24 hours a day.

"We have CCTV cameras but it's quite a secluded place.

"It's very sad that people have drugs in their lives. We do counsel people in the cathedral and we pass them on to those who can help them more."

A spokeswoman for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "If waste of this nature is found in a public place, or a place to which the public has access, a council officer will remove it as a matter of urgency.

"If people find this kind of waste, they can call us and we will remove it."

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph has arranged for the safe disposal of the box and contents.

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