Bolton: Astley Bridge litter pickers discover huge pile of needles

The needles were found on a patch of unused land near the town centre on Hanover Street, just next to Bolton Little Theatre.

A spokesperson from Litter Pickers of Astley Bridge said: “I did a recce with a friend on Hanover Street right next to Bolton Little Theatre, there’s a fenced off area of land which is privately owned I believe.

“There was a massive drugs den with hundreds of needles.

They found piles of needles at a fly tip off Hanover Street

"At the top end there was also lots of furniture.

“I called the 'sharps' team from the council.”

The spokesperson believes that because of where the tipping has happened is why it hasn’t been moved.

He said: “If it was in front of the town hall it would be gone in fifteen minutes, but because it’s in these places it’s out of sight out of mind.”

Rubbish retrieved from the Hanover Street fly tip

The spokesperson highlighted another area where significant amounts of fly tipping occur.

He said: “There’s a bank off Kestor Street at The Haulgh, which runs down to the river, we’ve known about it for a while.

“We’ve cleaned it before but rubbish keeps being added.

“We cleared as much as we could but there’s things on the riverbank that need a cherry picker to get to.”

He said having contacted the council, he was told that they can’t go on people’s private land.

Rubbish on the bank at Kestor Street

He said: “I hate this thing of private land so we can’t touch it. It should be cleaned up.”

The spokesperson was also concerned for the welfare of animals in fly tipping areas, saying:

“You’ve got animals who live here. I do it for wildlife because it’s their home. They shouldn’t have to live here with these open needles.

“This is a health hazard. It’s just wrong.

“Who’s created this mess? We have. It could be beautiful, you could make it into a wildlife thing.

“Humans are just spoiling it.”

Regarding the land near Little Bolton Theatre, a spokesperson from Bolton Council said:

“We have been in touch with the owner who has agreed to clear the site. The council also understands that improved perimeter fencing will soon be added ahead of proposed development work on the land.”

They also spoke on the river bank situation, saying:

“Following discussions with the Environment Agency, the council is working on a plan to resolve the flytipping issue in this area.”

If you find any needles you can call Sharps on 0800 731 9835 for response and advice.

You can also contact Sharps to enquire about their needle disposal services for businesses.