I WRITE further to a story regarding one of your readers, a Mr Derek Hill of Pollitt Crescent, Clock Face, concerning the dumping of discarded needles (St Helens Star, August 12).

I would advise Mr Hill and any other reader experiencing the same problem, that the responsibility for collection and disposal of such waste is not that of the council's Environmental Health Service who, incidentally, have no record of any complaints from Mr Hill.

For information, the collection of such items from public places such as highways, waste ground, public parks etc, where the risk of injury to the general public and in particular to children is at its greatest, will be responded to as a priority.

For further information and advice, I would suggest that readers telephone St Helens 456470.

S J Massey, Chief Environmental Health Officer

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