AN IRATE resident has arranged to meet his MP about “filthy” streets after finding a pile of needles dumped on the floor.

Daniel Fyne came across the syringes and other drug-related paraphernalia on the steps of Morrisons supermarket in St James’s Street, Brighton, and has arranged to meet MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle to call for action.

Mr Fyne, 62, said: “It was early on a Saturday morning and I immediately went to the police station in John Street, where I was told it was the council’s responsibility to remove them.

“But the mess was cleaned up by a member of staff some time later.”

Mr Fyne, of St James’s Place, believes the area has become much dirtier in recent years and wants action to be taken.

“It is absolutely filthy,” said Mr Fyne. “It is clear people are constantly urinating or even defecating on the streets around here, not to mention the litter.

“The dirt is becoming decidedly worse with grime and chewing gum everywhere, not only on St James’s Street, but also around the Old Steine and throughout the city centre. I took a stroll on the seafront last Sunday and the sight of the piles of rubbish everywhere was just awful.”

Mr Fyne has since written to Cityclean at the council to stress his dissatisfaction with cleanliness levels in and around St James’s Street.

The letter states: “A number of complaints have been raised with your department regarding street washing facilities however, nothing seems to be done about the appalling condition of the streets in the city centre.”

In his letter, My Fyne asks about the schedules for street cleaning in the city and for information regarding the percentage of council tax allocated to the washing of pavements and litter collection.

He is due to meet Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle on Thursday to discuss the matter.

Mr Fyne said: “It is obvious, by past performance, the council does not street wash. As a lone voice I have no influence on future working practices. The purpose of engaging with the local MP and ward councillor is to try and exert pressure on the council to do what they are charged to do.

Mr Russell-Moyle said: “There does seem to be a particular issue with events in St James’s Street and things not being properly cleaned up afterwards.

“We have already started talking about Pride this year and the importance of the streets being jet-washed straight afterwards.

“With regard to litter on a day to day basis, it is important residents and business owners also take some ownership of that outside of their properties. People wouldn’t be expected to clean up needles or start jet-washing the streets of course, but picking up litter near your home can help with the upkeep of the community.”

A council spokesman said: “St James’s Street has been deep cleaned previously following specific events. Due to lack of resources the council does not as a matter of course jet wash all roads in the city.

“Safely disposing of drug needles and other hazardous waste is a top priority for us, and we are committed to removing them within an hour of us being notified.”