Parents and children discovered around eight syringes on the path between the school and Shinewater Community Centre on their way to school at around 8.45am.
A concerned father said, "I was dropping my son off at school and there were used syringe
s about 50 yards away from the school entrance.
"They were scattered around like they had been left there from the night before.
"It is so dangerous because there are hundreds of kids who use that path every day."
Stephanie Huxley, also a parent at the school, said, "I can't think of any reason why they would be there other than drug misuse so it is a real concern.
"We don't walk on that path on the way to school but I heard about it from the other parents.
"I think it comes down to there not being anything for young people to do."
Another local resident, who did not want to be named, said, "I am not that surprised. There are so many drugs around here - my teenager has been offered drugs in the past and it is a real worry.
"I don't let them go out in this area anymore."
Staff at the school and adjoinining community centre immediately phoned the council about the problem and the syringes were removed promptly.
John Greenwood, head teacher at Shinewater Primary School, said, "I am personally shocked and upset this has happened.
"We have a problem with rubbish in the area outside the school but have never had syringes left before.
"We have worked very hard with the local community to have it cleared up and I have contacted the council.
"I will be writing to parents explaining what has happened and the action we have taken. We have also advised parents they should contact the council if they wish to air their complaints because the syringes were found on public land."
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