USED syringes dumped in bushes just yards from a Bolton primary school are putting pupils in danger, parents claimed today.

Alison Shaw and Lorraine Lewarne say three sharp needles have been lying near the entrance to the Spinners Mews flat complex in Schoolhill Road, Halliwell, for two months.

Mrs Lewarne, of Pleasant Gardens, uses the route to take her sons Nathan, aged seven, and four-year-old Tyrone, to St Matthew's Primary School.

Miss Shaw, of Davenport Road, also takes her daughter Bernice, aged four, past the syringes to the Kentford Road school every day.

They say it is likely that the needles have been used by addicts to inject themselves -- and may still contain traces of potentially lethal drugs.

They are worried a child could prick a finger and catch an infection.

Both parents say that they have complained to Bolton Council three times but nothing has happened.

Miss Shaw, aged 22, said: "A child has only got to put his hand through the railings to touch them. Young children are very inquisitive and it is on the route to school.

"We walk past them everyday and they are still there. It is quite an issue as we all pay our council taxes and nothing ever seems to be done."

Mrs Lewarne, aged 26, said the syringes had been there for at least two months. She added: "I am worried that a child could prick his finger and catch something. It is a terrible situation."

"Bolton Council needs to listen to what we are saying."

The council was unavailable for comment.