PEOPLE are being asked to keep a sharp lookout for discarded needles and syringes.

A recovery service has been set-up to collect and dispose of dangerous sharps found in public places.

Hypodermic needles and syringes and other potentially dangerous injection equipment are sought in a joint operation between the Council's environmental health department and Wigan and Bolton Health Authority.

A sharps hot-line number - 01942 828131 - is available weekdays between 9-5 or through the Council's Central Watch emergency hours number 01942 404040.

The service will cover roads, public toilets, litter binds, recreation and communal areas, housing estates, authority buildings, sports centres and leisure premises and accessible open land.

Public protection committee chairman Cllr Ron Capstick said:"Potentially highly dangerous sharps are an increasing risk.

"We have been getting 50-60 calls a month from anxious residents so it is obviously a priority to get this service up and running quickly. We will take every call very seriously but hope people will not use the emergency service except in cases of imminent and serious risk."

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