LIGHTS BID TO KEEP ADDICTS IN DARK

SPECIAL lights are to be installed in public toilets in Rushden in a bid to
curb drug taking.

In recent weeks the toilets in Hall Park have been used by drug users as a
place to inject themselves.

Now Rushden Town Council has decided to replace the normal strip lighting
with innovative blue lighting, which should make it impossible for drug
users to see their veins.

The scheme will cost UKP400 and will be paid for by the council. Council
leader Steven North said: "The toilets won't be dark but will stop drug
users from being able to find their veins to inject because they won't show
up.

"We have had problems in there recently with people using needles --
hopefully this will help to stamp it out."

The idea has already been successfully used in Irthling-borough. Chairman of
Irthlingborough Town Council David Lee said: "Drug addicts will inject
anywhere but particularly in sheltered areas.

"I think the blue lighting has deterred drug addicts because they find it
difficult to inject."

Rushden community beat officer PC Dave Kelland said: "People using the
toilets in Hall Park to take drugs is an ongoing problem."

"The police are supportive of any ideas to dissuade the use of drugs."