CALLS have been made to speed up the reopening of the public toilets at Shipley Library, which were shut down after needles were dumped there by drug addicts.

Bradford Council closed the toilets to safeguard the public after 18 syringes, some contaminated with blood, were found in the nappy and sanitary bin there.

The Council said it would be "failing members of the public in our duty of care" if the toilets were left open.

But pressure is being put on Council officers to find a speedy resolution to the issue.

Councillor Martin Love (Shipley, Green) said the toilets at the library had now been closed for some weeks.

He said: "It has a huge impact on the community, which uses the toilets.

"What's more we are charging people for use of rooms at the library, but they cannot use the toilets, so I don't know whether that raises an issue of discounts.

"It needs resolving quickly. There must be a way of getting a key for the toilets to people who need to use them, though that may impact on staff resources."

Coun Love said the portfolio holder for environment, sport and culture, Councillor Sarah Ferriby, had assured him she had urged Council officers to sort out the situation.

He added: "The toilets have been closed for a few weeks, though I was only made aware of it recently by a lady from the toddler group that meets at the library."

The Council said all public toilets were open to misuse and there had been problems at those at Shipley Library.

A spokesman said it was the minority who spoiled things for the majority. It was looking for solutions.

The closure of the library highlighted a number of issues in the centre of Shipley and Saltaire with drug taking and dealing, aggressive begging and people sleeping rough.

Coun Love said the Asda in Shipley and the Co-op in Saltaire had faced issues.

He said he was not aware that anything had changed in the last week and he had seen somebody sleeping rough outside the Co-op.

Shipley Police say there is an ongoing operation to tackle begging and associated problems, such as the misuse and dealing of drugs, and the causes of them.

No-one at Bradford Council was able to provide a comment.