A MOTHER is demanding a clean-up at a recreation ground after her young son found a used hypodermic syringe.

The woman, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said her son had been out walking with his father at Bishop Auckland recreation ground yesterday, when he picked up the syringe, which still contained its needle and was dripping with blood.

She said: "I am absolutely furious.''

It is the second time the youngster, aged six, has found a syringe at the recreation ground.

The first time, he and his mother were walking to school when he picked up a syringe which was handed to teachers.

She said: "They took it off me that time and said needles had even been found in the school grounds.

"The kids are wrecking the place and are going around there to drink and take drugs.''

The woman said after youths had been there, broken glass would be littered all over the bowling green and swings on the children's play area had been destroyed.

She said: "The situation is snowballing out of proportion. If I saw signs that the police were trying to get it cleared up I would not mind, but nothing is being done.

"Etherley Lane School and the nursery backs on to there. It is a lovely recreation ground and they are tearing it to pieces.''

She said she would not allow her child to play at the recreation ground and would be contacting Wear Valley District Council and her local MP this morning.

Inspector Ivan Wood, of Bishop Auckland police, said he was aware of the complaint and that an officer had been sent to collect the needle.

He said: "Problems with youths are not just confined to the recreation ground.

"It is a problem throughout the area.

"We are continually working with the council to try and combat the problems at the recreation ground and the surrounding area.'