A TEENAGE mum is refusing to move into her a council-owned property with her baby daughter until drug taking equipment found in the house is removed.

Stacey Critchley, 18, was planning to move into the house on Dickinson Close, Blackburn, as soon as repairs had been finished by council workmen.

But when she went to check on the work she was disgusted to find needles, syringes and packets containing what she thought were drugs in the house.

She said: "I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that stuff in a box in the loft of the house. My daughter is only seven months old and I don't want her coming into contact with drug equipment.

"I rang the police who told me to get on to the council. When I phoned the town hall I was told that they would remove the stuff immediately.

"But I went back to the house a few days later it was still there. So I rang the council again and now I've been told I've got to put my complaint in writing. It's a week since I first complained and nothing has been done."

Stacey and her daughter Chloe are staying at her parents house at Ulberston Close until the drug-taking equipment has been removed.

Gwyneth Sarkar, assistant director of housing and neighbourhood services for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "A neighbourhood officer has visited Dickinson Close today.

"I understand that Ms Critchley was storing items in the loft of the property last week when she found a box of the type used by agencies like the Council to safely store needles found in the community.

"I want to emphasise that the council takes the safe removal of used needles very seriously.

"I can offer no explanation as to why her original report was not swiftly dealt with in accordance with the council's policy.

"We have now arranged to meet Ms Critchley at the property and carry out a proper inspection of the loft space to satisfy her and ourselves that there are no used needles there which could put her at risk."

Blackburn Police checked the house after being contacted by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, and confirmed that the substances found there were not drugs.

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