A MOTHER who is desperate to be re-housed says she is at breaking point after her two-year-old daughter found a used syringe outside their flat.

The woman, who prefers to remain anonymous, wants to leave her one bedroom property in Sutton Way and move into a house.

She says she has had enough of the conditions and her daughter picking up the used syringe was the final straw.

Despite pleading with the council to be moved its officers say she does not have the necessary points to be awarded a bigger property.

The woman told the Pioneer: 'Luckily, my daughter was OK and the doctors said she hadn't caught anything from the syringe but I've had enough of being here.

'I was speaking to a man who wanted to exchange his house for a flat but when I spoke to the council about doing a swap they said they wouldn't allow it.'

Cllr Justin Madders, chair of housing, said: 'We appreciate that this was an upsetting experience for the mother. She confirmed that this was the first time that such an incident had occurred.

'She said that the back door to the flats wasn't closing so we are looking into this problem.

'We have also arranged for the mobile caretaker to carry out an extra clean in the block.'

He added: 'If anyone has any information about this incident they should contact housing services. To possess or use illegal drugs on council premises or allow family members or visitors to use or possess them is a breach of the tenancy agreement.'

He also confirmed that the mother had submitted a health assessment form which will be assessed by the council's independent medical adviser and that it could lead to additional points being awarded to her housing application.