THE council's litter squad will inspect a Darlington car park after complaints by residents.

People living near Chesnut Street lorry and car park have complained that the area is often strewn with food takeaway boxes and rubbish left behind by lorry drivers and motorists.

There have been reports of hypodermic needles being left in the park, which is close to a children's play area.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said he had made several calls to the council about the rubbish but nothing had been done.

He said: "I found four needles and a uniformed warden came out and he found some more.

"The car park backs on to a children's play area and there are two different council departments that deal with them so they have both said it is the other's responsibility.

"The car park is an absolute tip. A lot of people even use it as a toilet. It gives the area a bad impression."

A council spokesman said an anti-litter squad would investigate the problems.

Last November Darlington Borough Council launched a litter campaign in a bid to clean up the town, a move which has been supported by The Northern Echo.

The anti-litter hotline number is (01325) 388777.