A MOTHER has called for a town's bus station to be cleaned up after her three-year-old daughter fell and pricked herself on a used hypodermic needle.

Emma Whitfield-Gash, from Woodside, Bishop Auckland, is now facing an agonising wait see to if little Rebecca has contracted Hepatitis B.

The toddler was playing at Bishop Auckland Bus Station as she and her mother waited for a bus home when Rebecca said she had fallen and cut herself, and gave her the hypodermic needle.

She said: "I was talking to a friend and our faces just fell when she showed us the needle, which had been next to the phone box.

"I just cannot believe this has happened. All these people care about is getting high. They should either have more sense and take the needle with them or put it in a bin where innocent babies cannot get to them. Something needs to be done before more innocent children suffer.''

Max Coleby, head of community and cultural services at Wear Valley District Council, said incidents involving used needles were increasing. He said he was aware of problems at the bus station.

He said: "We have extended our training to a number of our employees in how to pick up these needles in safe sharp boxes in order to keep on top of the job.''

Miss Whitfield-Gash said she had heard of another recent incident where a number of used needles had been found in the ladies public toilets.

She also said she was unhappy with the way Bishop Auckland Police had responded to her complaint.

She said: "They told me there was nothing I could do and if I called Wear Valley District Council they would clear it away. I am absolutely disgusted.''

Insp Ivan Wood from Bishop Auckland Police said that officers had since contacted Miss Whitfield-Gash to apologise.

He said: "We have contacted the lady in question to explain how this has occurred and ensure in future similar calls will get the appropriate response. Our main concern is for the child's safety.''

Police urged members of the public not to touch any used needles and to contact the police straight away to arrange for their disposal