AN investigation by the Somerset County Gazette has uncovered more than a dozen hypodermic syringes dumped around Taunton.

This week we found 18 syringes - some used by drug addicts plus others unused and still in packets - on pavements, car parks and footpaths in the town.

But the team of emergency workmen which has to clear the needles from the streets says this is just the tip of the iceberg and dumping syringes in the town centre is widespread.

Taunton MP Adrian Flook said: "The County Gazette's investigation shows that even Taunton has a drugs problem we need to be very alert to."

For drainage workers Eric Jenkins and Richard Symonds, clearing up disguarded needles in the town has become a daily task.

"Goodland Gardens has a particular problem -- we often find many used syringes around the public toilets, with needles sticking up in the air," said Mr Jenkins.

"It is definitely something that has got worse in the last five years."

For more on our shocking findings, see this week's (January 30) Somerset County Gazette.