USED syringes have been found at the entrance to one of Skipton's beauty spots.

A local resident out walking his dog spotted the needles at the Gargrave Road entrance to Aireville Park opposite Rockwood Drive.

County Councillor Mike Doyle said the problem had been reported to him and he was extremely concerned about the safety of children in the park who had to walk past the needles.

He has contacted Craven District Council which is responsible for keeping the park clean and the police.

"I went and had a look at the area and it was very overgrown and one of the benches was not in a good condition," said Coun Doyle.

He thought that if the area was not maintained and allowed to become run down, it would attract drug users.

He added that it was not an area that had faced similar problems in the past and that local residents were extremely concerned.

As the needles were seen early morning at the time people were out walking their dogs, Coun Doyle suggested that an emergency phone number could be posted on dog bins so that anyone who saw anything untoward going on would know who to call.

He hoped the area could be cleared up and the bushes cut back so the path could be used safely by pupils walking up to Aireville School as an alternative to walking along the roadside.

Head of Operations at Craven District Council Greg Robinson said the complaint had been investigated and no needles had been found at the site.

He added that steps were being taken to cut back the bushes and clear up the litter at the site.

Mr Robinson said anyone who spotted a syringe on council property could contact the authority on 01756 700600. Specially trained officers are employed to deal with the removal of needles.

Police are also warning youngsters to be extra vigilant after two 13-year-old girls were approached by a man in Aireville Park.

The man was wearing what appeared to be wet shorts and he asked the girls if there was any where he could get changed.

He then asked them to keep a look out whilst he got changed. No offence was committed.

He is described as about 40 years old, with dark brown, greying collar length hair and thick eyebrows.

He was wearing a green fleece jacket, a purple or blue T-shirt and blue trainers with white soles and changed his shorts for black jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Skipton Police on 01756 793377.