The district council has been praised for its quick response to used hyperdermic needles dumped in a Dover cemetery after the issue was raised on social media.

Keen photographer Ian Palmer posted pictures of syringes which he found in various parts of the town on his Facebook page.

In less than an hour, the district council had responded asking exactly where they were so they could be dealt with.

Mr Palmer said it was in Cowgate Cemetery and then replied:

“Hey Dover council thank you for your quick reply. Your man was on the case when we were there!

“This is sadly becoming endemic in Dover. Perhaps we could adopt a similar concept as North England where we supply a drop in centre for dependency?

“There are many reasons people get entangled with drugs, but we could do more to educate, support and guide those people who end up lost inside that nightmare.

“The problem of disposal is just the tip of the iceberg. Getting through to the people that are using is the real challenge!”