BINS for drug addicts' used needles are to be placed in public toilets around a Kent district from next week.

Canterbury City Council says the decision has been taken after careful consideration and in consultation with the police and agencies that are involved with drug addicts.

Three toilet blocks in Canterbury and three in Herne Bay and Whitstable have been identified by cleaning contractors Serco as the worst affected locations.

The bins will be installed in toilets in Worthgate Place, Canterbury Lane and St Peter’s Place, Canterbury; St George’s in Herne Bay and Skinner’s Alley and the Horsebridge in Whitstable.

City council community safety manager Mark Richardson said: “We want to stress that we are not encouraging anyone to use public toilets for drug-taking.

“However, toilets cannot be policed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we have to recognise that this sort of activity takes place. It is therefore important we take action to minimise the risk to the public.”