A father is fighting a one-man campaign against junkies who have been leaving used needles in his neighbourhood.

Brian Austin, 41, who lives in Walton Road, Folkestone, found a needle in an alleyway near his home and a neighbour discovered one in her back garden.

Mr Austin reported the discovery to the police and Shepway District Council but, concerned at their inaction, he decided to tackle the problem himself by delivering 60 letters to neighbours and Mundella primary school urging them to beware.

He said: “I struggled to get anything done. There were two needles found in one week and I felt people should be aware.

“I contacted both the police and council. It took the council more than 24 hours and two phone calls to come and pick it up.

“I was told by the police the local officers would be informed and extra patrols put on, but it was clear they had not.”

Mr Austin, a stamp dealer and father of two, also discovered the police community support officer had not been told about the needles and a week after he informed her she hadn’t even managed to find the alleyway.

Lynn Seal, head teacher at Mundella school, said she was grateful for Mr Austin’s letter.

She said: “We will be telling parents in our newsletter and on our web site this week.”

Shepway council has praised Mr Austin’s efforts and apologised to him for the delay in responding to his complaint.

South Kent Police said they take reports of discarded needles seriously.

Anyone who finds a needle or syringe should report it to the Customer Services team at Shepway council on 01303 858660.