A mum was shocked after finding a used needle on the school run with her two young children last week - but said that almost seven days later, it's still not been removed.
Hannah Matheson reported the syringe found in a lane off Naples Road in Wallasey on Wednesday, adding that she had "naively" expected it to be cleared the next day.
According to Wirral Council, officers attended the scene in Seacombe, which is close to a primary school, less than an hour after being made aware of it - but said they could not find the item in question.
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On Tuesday morning - almost a week after reporting it, Ms Matheson said for whatever reason, the dangerous item, found discarded close to shops, a library and St Joseph's RC Primary School, was still there.
Ms Matheson, who lives nearby and whose children attend Kingsway Primary School, said: "My first reaction I guess was shock, as it’s the first time I’ve seen one in real life myself, and as I was on the school run with my two young children, my next concern was how many other kids might be exposed to it on that route."
She said she'd seen posts on social media about a "large stash" of needles found in a local park, but that this was the "first time I've seen one myself".
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Ms Matheson is new to the area, and added: "I must admit I naively expected it to be cleared the same day. The drug use around here has become quite obvious [to me] since moving to Wallasey.
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"I’ve taken the opportunity to educate my son on them as it’s on our school run each day."
A council spokeswoman said the authority's Streetscene team received a report of a discarded needle at 9.30am on Wednesday, and by 10.18am the same morning the team attended the scene - but nothing was found.
She added: "We take these reports seriously, responding quickly to remove items which may be a hazard to the public. Unfortunately in this case there was not enough information for the team to find the reported item despite a swift and thorough search.
“If the person who made the report could provide us with further details of the needle’s exact location we will be able to revisit and remove it as soon as possible.”
What should I do if I find a used needle?
Removal and disposal of discarded syringes and other drug-related items in public places is the responsibility of the local council.
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Wirral Council's website asks that needles or syringes found on the highway or council property are reported "immediately" to the Streetscene department, who will arrange to have it cleared.
From Monday to Friday, between 8am to 5pm, Wirral residents should call 0151 606 2004, and outside of these hours, the number is: 0151 647 7810.
For needles found on private or commercial properties, it is the land owner's responsibility to ensure they are removed.
