JUNKIES who ditch dirty needles in a popular children's park are to be stopped in their tracks by angry parents.

Land between Selborne Street and George Street has become a notorious place for drug users -- prompting locals to take urgent action to protect their youngsters.

Local councillors and the area's Neighbourhood Watch have learnt that used syringes are strewn across the grass and left in cracks in the park wall.

One Neighbourhood Watch worker claims they have also seen syringes which still contain drugs.

Now, Selborne Neighbourhood Watch has teamed up with councillor Ken Cole and the police in an attempt to thwart the gang of users.

Park trees were cut down 12 months ago in an attempt to make it more difficult for the gangs to hide from police patrols but they still use the park. But by keeping an eye on the park and alerting police to any incidents, local residents are confident of ridding the area of dirty needles.

Councillor Ken Cole said: "This is a new problem. Having stopped youths destroying the bowling green nearby, users of the Smiths recreational ground between Selborne Street and George Street now face a new danger.

"Used needles could result in children getting hepatitis. These needles can be safely exchanged at two sites nearby.

"We want to keep this as a park where it is safe for children to play and for people to walk their dogs.

"I have asked Preston Borough Council to take action."

Pauline Sharples, Selborne Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, added: "The police are aware of the problem.

"Local people are on the look out for drug taking and other criminal activities on the park.

"We want to keep the Smiths ground safe for people to use. We have already had a battle to stop youths vandalising the bowling green at Smiths rec."