Drug workers have removed a bin for disposal of used needles from close to Bradford's bustling West End after protests from the area's residents.

People living in Soho Street, a short walk from the Alhambra Theatre and Museum of Photography, Film and Television, said the container sent out "all the wrong messages" and should not have been put in a residential area.

After hearing of their concerns, bosses at the drug agency which put the bin in the street had it removed.

Postman Phillip Binns, 31, of Holmefield Court, Soho Street said: "I went out one morning and it was just sitting there.

"There was no consultation with residents and a lot of people were very upset about it.

"This is really close to the city centre. People will go past it on their way to the theatre or film museum.

"What kind of message does that send out to our visitors about the city of Bradford?

"I think that it could attract crime to the area. By putting the bin there, you are telling people it is okay to take Drugs on the street."

Mr Binns complained to the Bradford Drugs and Alcohol Awareness Team, the group which placed the bin in the street.

The team has put similar containers at sites across the district as part of its Bin the Pin pilot scheme.

Co-ordinator Alison Richards said: "We are sorry that residents in Soho Street were not consulted about the bin but we were unaware it was a residential area."

"The bin was put there after the college security officer informed us there was a problem there with discarded needles.

"The Bin the Pin scheme, funded by the Crime Reduction Fund, aims to increase public safety by providing bins so people can dispose of needles properly."

Bradford Council's cleansing department, which manages the service, said it would consult the security officer and the caretaker of the Soho Mill flats as to where best to re-site the bin.