PARENTS have banned their children from playing near shrubs in part of Middlesbrough following the discovery of used needles and empty methadone bottles.

An organised litter clean-up of St Aidan's Drive found more needles and bottles this week, reinforcing calls by the St Aidan's Residents' Association for action to be taken.

Jason Walker, its chairman, said he understood that Middlesbrough Council street wardens would be reporting to Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon, recommending a watch is kept on the area.

Mr Walker said: "We are finding needles every day now. The council should be cutting back the shrubs so the needles cannot be dumped.

"We cannot let the kids play in the bushes because of what they might find, and what they have already found.

"Our concern is that one of these kids picks up a needle or a methadone bottle with stuff still in it.

"It is the school holidays and you cannot keep an eye on them 24-hours-a-day. The situation is getting worse."

On Tuesday, he made a plea to a meeting of St Hilda's Community Council, to press Middlesbrough Council to take action.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said the shrubbery would be cut back after council workers found needles and methadone bottles while trimming bushes last week.