A MUM spoke of her horror after children were seen "stepping over" discarded needles outside a busy fast food restaurant.

Sue Moore, from Connah's Quay, walked past McDonald's in Wrexham Town Centre during her lunch break on Friday.

She and several other parents were shocked to find several needles lying on the street outside the restaurant - some of which she said appeared to have drugs in.

Mrs Moore said the sight made her feel "sick" as the restaurant and the area outside was "heaving" with children and parents.

The Leader:

The discarded needles

She explained: "There were so many horrified parents, it was disgusting. "There were children all over the place. They were just stepping over them. One mum who was near me was nearly in tears.

"Teenagers were messing around, pushing each other and trying to get each other to step on them like a game.

"Some of the syringes seemed to have drugs in and there were some without caps on. "I have two grown up boys and as a mother I was horrified - they make me feel sick. I was on my lunch break but I didn't end up eating my lunch after that."

Mrs Moore, 55, said she and other parents went into the restaurant to report the needles to McDonald's staff, following which the restaurant's manager came out and collected the needles. She added: "It wasn't the fault of McDonald's - that's just where the needles were.

"I felt sorry for the manager and the woman who came out to deal with it. "They must see this on a regular basis because they came out with a sharps bin and gloves.

The Leader:

The discarded needles are collected by McDonald's staff, pictured above and below

"I know Wrexham has a drug problem, but for it to be in such a place where there are children and teenagers - it was disgusting."

A McDonald’s spokesman added: "The safety and security of our people and our customers is our absolute priority, and it is worrying to hear of needles being anywhere near our restaurants.

"As soon as this was brought to the attention of the restaurant, the manager carefully disposed of the items in the appropriate manner.

"The behaviour of these individuals is completely unacceptable and we are working with the police to help prevent these types of incidents’ happening in future.”

The Leader:

Mrs Moore said she would also call on Wrexham Council to do more to tackle the issue of discarded needles in the town.

A Wrexham Council spokesman said: "Any members of the public who find needles or similar paraphernalia in a public place may report them online, or via the Street Scene number 01978 298989.”