HUNDREDS of warning stickers are to be posted around the town where used needles have been found.

A team from the Liberal Catholic Apostolic Church homeless support group, who normally offer food and help to the homeless, have been collecting hundreds of discarded needles while on their rounds in recent weeks.

And now they will be taking to the streets with 1,500 stickers warning the public and urging people to call them if they find more used needles.

The Very Reverend Monsignor Mark Paris, who is part of the team, said: “Our work for the homeless has led to something more disturbing than we expected. We are picking up used needles, other signs of drugs and beer cans. You name it, we’re picking it up.”

Areas they have identified as being the most affected include Spring Gardens, Debenhams car park, Brunel car park, Faringdon Park, Queen’s Park, St Mark’s Church cemetery, Canal Path, the loading bay of Tesco’s in the town centre, and the car park outside the Wyvern Theatre.

“The week before last we picked 150 up in one night from the toilets in Faringdon Park,” he said.

The 13 volunteers, who have been picking the needles wearing rubber gloves, are asking the council for their support.

“We have applied to the council for help. We are facing danger and we want to be issued with the same equipment as street pastors,” he said.

“We have taken this on because we want to live in a better Swindon and remove these needles. We have applied to the council and we just don’t get anything.

“We are using rubber gloves from the 99p shop to keep our streets clean and tidy.”

A total of 28 stickers have been posted in the town so far but that is set to increase.

“We will be sticking them in the locations where the needles have been found and removed by our team,” said Father Paris.

“We are finding it hard to discard of these needles because nobody will take them off our hands. They are actually collecting in boxes in my bathroom. We are not happy to leave them in public places where children play.”

A Swindon Council spokesman said: “Our street cleaning team pick up the majority of needles in the town centre. However, if members of the public discover any needles we recommend they contact our contractor Swindon Commercial Services Ltd who will remove them as quickly as possible.

“Anyone who finds any needles should call 01793 445501.”

For more information about the church group, visit www.benedictus-fellowship.co.uk.