TWO hypodermic syringes believed to have been used by drugs takers were found on a Guiseley soccer pitch minutes before two football teams of under-11s kicked off.

The syringes were spotted by referee Fred Watson during a routine check of the council-owned soccer ground in Queensway before the match between Guiseley Dynamo under 11s and Bradford All Saints.

Referee Fred Watson, of Highlea Close, Yeadon, told the Wharfedale Observer: "I was all set to referee the match when the All Stars manager said that he had found a syringe on the pitch.

'We started a search and another syringe was found. We did a complete check of the pitch before going ahead with the game although these had not come to light in the usual pre-match pitch check for dog dirt.

'We have enough to contend with the dog dirt without dangers such as this." said Fred. "The job gets more and more difficult every week. This is something we can well do without."

The matter was reported to the police by Dynamo club manager Angela Banas, of Greenacre Park, Rawdon. Angela also sought advice from the police on disposal of the syringes.

Mrs Banas said she was shocked and disgusted when she heard about the find. "I think it is disgusting that someone can leave syringes lying about a football field whether it is used by youngsters or adults," she said.

"If we were not in the habit of doing what we call a dog dirt check before each home match the syringes would not have been found and a youngster could have fallen on one of them and been injured," she added.

The club has had problems for a long time with dog owners who allow their pets to foul the football pitch. Officials have also had trouble with youngsters, aged 14 and 15, who visit the ground to drink. "When they have finished they smash the bottles and leave broken glass lying around. ," said Mrs Banas

Other problems at the ground include a small security fence being smashed and attempts to break into the clubhouse. Large quantities of rubbish have also been left there.

"What is so disappointing is we run this football club for the benefit of young people. They thoroughly enjoy themselves and I am sure they

appreciate what we are doing," she said.

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