A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to give heroin addicts a daily dose of methadone at their local chemist has received a mixed reaction.

More than 30 pharmacies across the district have agreed to take part in the health authority project, including Boots.

Organisers say the supervised doses will improve safety and cut down on the illegal trafficking of the heroin substitute.

But city councillor Nick Westwell has expressed concern that addicts high on drugs will be mixing with families on a daily basis.

"I think it is totally inappropriate to have 'junkies' take drugs in premises frequented by young families and the elderly," said the father of five.

"Heroin addicts are known to get agitated and volatile if there are any problems with their drug use. We don't want this sort of thing happening in public places. Asking them to behave is like asking an alcoholic to stop drinking. At the end of the day drugs should not be anywhere near children." The scheme was successfully piloted in south Cumbria and will start in Lancaster and Morecambe on Monday, offering a service to 140 heroin users across the district.

Addicts will be assessed by a GP before being put on a methadone course and will have to sign a contract promising to receive their daily dose unaccompanied and to refrain from causing a nuisance.

Said public health consultant, Dr John Astbury: "The pilot project took place over 18 months. There were understandable doubts at first but local pharmacists agreed to give supervised methadone to patients and there were relatively few problems."

"With a prescription they visit pharmacist on a daily basis and are given a supervised dose of methadone. This helps the patient and also severely limits the amount of methadone which could be sold illegally on the street.

"Another benefit is that supermarket pharmacists are often available seven days a week, which reduces even further the risk of illegal trafficking.

Substance Misuse Services Manager, Avril Haydock, added: "Pharmacists are well placed to offer supervision and their response has been very good.

"The programme is for people who are looking for help to give up."

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