THE announcement of a pilot scheme to clean up dirty syringes discarded in Bolton's housing and estates and parks highlights the extent of the drugs problem locally.

This is not a matter of a handful of "druggies" being active in one area of town, but a widespread problem which the Bolton Drug Action Team is addressing.

This year several children have had to undergo HIV tests after pricking themselves on used needles lying in empty gardens or parks close to their homes.

Youngsters have to be warned never to handle anything they found lying about and parents must be constantly vigilant to ensure their children are not using drugs.

The extent of the problem is such that no families can afford to be complacent.

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