STATISTICS in Hartlepool have shown that a telephone hotline set up to tackle the potentially lethal problem of carelessly discarded syringes is a success.

Since the hotline was set up in June last year, Hartlepool Borough Council's drug litter collection service has been called out 353 times.

At the time of its launch, the council anticipated that as many as 500 calls a year could be received.

It would mean a cost of £15,000 to the council.

Denise Ogden, environment manager for the council, said: "Although we haven't quite reached that figure, it is clear that there is a need for this valuable service.

"It is part of our on-going commitment to making the town's streets and open spaces safer for townspeople," she said.

"We also want to remind people of the service should they come across discarded hypodermic needles.

They should not touch anything but get in touch with us immediately."

The hotline is offering Hartlepool people the knowledge that hypodermic needles will be safely removed at any time of the day by council workers wearing protective clothing.

The number is (01429) 523333 during office hours and (01429) 869424 at all other times.