BEAUTY salon bosses say their business is being blighted by the discovery of used needles and sleeping homeless people in its doorway.

Rough sleepers have been found in the sheltered front entrance to Harrington Brown Hair & Beauty, Oastler Road, Shipley, since it opened in June this year.

The situation came to a head on Tuesday when staff were greeted by a collection of unpleasant items on its doorstep.

The debris outside the site included more than 30 used needles, chips, a hospital gown and toilet paper.

West Yorkshire Police said officers were stepping up patrols in the area following complaints from residents.

Co-owner Kirsty Corns, who has sent a number of complaints to police, said: “We had to wake up a homeless man yesterday, who was asleep on our doorway.

“The amount of used needles outside our salon the other day was horrendous. We just don’t want it on our doorstep.

“It has been going on for months, but the other day was the first time we have had to deal with used needles. The last thing we want are children having to step over used needles, or anyone for that matter. We are not anti-homeless people, it is an awful situation for them to be in. It’s more about the drugs.

“It’s just so upsetting when you come to work and this is happening. We’re hoping it won’t affect our business.

“We do feel sorry for the homeless people, but this is unacceptable behaviour. They don’t give two hoots about our premises. We are trying our hardest to work all hours God sends to be a good business. The last thing we want is to be dealing with needles. The amount of homeless people we are getting here is uncontrollable. We might have to look at getting shutters.”

Councillor Martin Love (Green, Shipley) said drug taking in that area of Shipley had been a problem for the last couple of months, with residents reporting incidents “two or three times” each week.

He said: “It is scary that needles have been left about. There are a few hotspots for homeless people in Shipley. Residents have told me they have witnessed drug taking in broad daylight.”

A police spokesman said: “We have received a report of concerns around needles being left and anti-social behaviour on Bingley Road. The complainant asked for passing police attention in the area and officers are stepping up patrols to reassure residents.”

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