Managers at an inner city farm say they are concerned about safety because it has become a haven for drug addicts.

Stonebridge farm in the St Ann's area of Nottingham says it is becoming littered with drugs paraphernalia.

Large numbers of needles are being found in bushes and undergrowth.

The city council say they are prepared to clear the area but fear this will simply move the problem elsewhere.

Addicts have been found in animal pens

Marie Rodgers form Stonebridge farm said: "Drugs users do tend to congregate around the edges of the farm in the evenings in the bushes.

"They get the drugs and use them there and of course leave the needles behind.

"This is dangerous for the people at the farm and for visitors and children who play in those bushes.

"One day there will be an accident."

One step ahead

Drug users have even slept in the animals' shelters.

Addicts are thought to have been pushed out to this area by city centre developments.

The council is committed to removing the bushes but admits this is a short term measure.

Bryn Orme from Nottingham City Council said: "I'm sure that if we do resolve these issues for the farm we will pick up these problems somewhere else in the area.

"So the city council is trying to tackle this through our drug action line and work with other agencies like the police and try to resolve some of these situations and keep one step ahead."