YET more dirty needles have been found on a busy York street.

The two hypodermic needles were spotted in Walmgate, at the end of an alley leading into Melrose Yard.

One was in the gutter, the other at the side of the pavement - without its protective plastic guard over the sharp end.

They were found opposite the former Viking site which, in September, the Evening Press exclusively revealed was being used as a drug den.

A local businesswoman, who asked not to be named, today said she was not surprised at the latest find.

She said: "We knew drugs addicts used to hang around here, we have seen them.

"We thought they were going into an empty shed in Melrose Yard to take their drugs, but thankfully that stopped a while ago, after a strong padlock was put on it

"We thought they had gone somewhere else now though, but it is well known that quite a few drug addicts live around Walmgate, so I'm not that surprised the needles were there.

"Something wants doing about the drugs problem because what that stuff does to people is just terrible."

A spokesman for City of York Council said any syringes reported were quickly collected by council staff.

"Just like any city centre, people are using drugs and needles and disposing of them in York.

"Our staff come across them every day and work very hard to remove them.

"Members of the public should not touch them.

"Instead, make a note of where the needles are, then ring us on 01904 636000 as soon as possible.

"We will make their collection a priority," he said.

Just eight days ago, the Evening Press revealed how addicts were using local churches as dumping grounds for their dirty needles.

Last month, a container full of used syringes was found discarded on Micklegate. And in September, two young mothers found needles lying in the street near their homes.

* The Evening Press arranged for the two syringes to be collected by the council.

* A man walking his dog in the Groves area of York discovered a haul of nine syringes, along with other drug-taking equipment. Wojciech Simpson said his dog, Jake, discovered the pile of syringes, swabs and tubes near a set of garages near his home in Lowther Street.

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, November 13, 2001