The discarded needles were found in an outhouse used by addicts

The needles were found in an outbuilding of a derelict house in Victoria Street on the Royal Estate in Warsop, Nottinghamshire.

Mick Brown, an employee of Mansfield District Council who cleared up the needles, said: "I'm very surprised to find 3,000 syringes in such a small place like this - it's very unsafe for the general public."

Andy Wetton, from Warsop Parish Council, said: "It's really shocking... we're going to be demanding action from the local police and the local district council."

Needle exchange

The property, owned by Mansfield District Council, has been secured so nobody else can get in.

The Royal Estate is to share in a multi-million pound regeneration scheme targeting former coalfield areas.

The only solution has to include treatment of drug addicts, to start getting them off drugs John Mann Bassetlaw MP

Some houses in Victoria Street and a street nearby are also due to be demolished.

There are also needle exchange schemes being introduced for drug users to dispose of their needles safely.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann, who has urged action to drive down drug use in the area, believes more should be done to tackle the drugs problem at its source.

"These drug users will be stealing in order to fund their addiction, that is always the case and that is the major cost to society," he said.

"Whatever else is done, the only solution has to include treatment of drug addicts, to start getting them off drugs."