A mother playing with her two young children spotted the container in the sand.

Warren Shire Council was notified and workers were assigned to clean through the sand to make sure no syringes were present.

Shire manager finance and administration Darren Arthur said the report was of great concern but he was mystified as to the source of the container, as Lions Park did not have a toilet block and the sharps containers at the other parks had temporarily been removed.

“The containers were removed some time ago due to vandalism and council is presently looking at refitting them more securely,” Mr Arthur said. “Council staff will check through the play areas and make sure they are safe.”

He said parents should remain vigilant when children are using the play areas.