Ledbury Town Council could push for blue lighting to be installed in public toilets, to make it difficult for drug users to see their veins and inject themselves.

The issue was due for discussion at the full town council meeting in the Market House last night (Thursday).

Coun Peter Watts has already held discussions with the police over the idea and was due to ask for council support.

He said: "If you put ultra-violet light in the toilets, drug users won't be able to shoot up."

This is because veins become virtually invisible under ultra-violet light.

Coun Watts said: "I think it's something that should be looked into, although I think the needles problem is clearing up in Ledbury. I just don't want it to come back."

Over the last year, discarded needles and other drugs-related material has been found in Ledbury's public toilets, including in the new block at the entrance to Bye Street car park.

Coun Watts's ideas have won the backing of Det Sgt Peter Butcher, who said: "I would support the town council if they go for this idea. Anything that makes drug abuse difficult would be a good thing."

Ultra-violet light has already been installed in public toilets by Worcester bus station.

But Herefordshire Council, which would have to make the decision to put the lighting into Ledbury, does not operate any toilets with the special fluorescent lighting.

Stephen Oates, the county's head of highways and transportation, said: "While the council would consider improvements to its toilets, we are not convinced of the benefits of such lighting, which is less convenient to the public and easily overcome by drug users."

Angie Kelly, of Drugs Advisory Services Herefordshire, said: "We would advocate use of needle bins in public toilets to increase the safety of the public. Blue light is not a pleasant light to inflict on the public and can cause drug-dependent people to miss their vein, with resulting health problems such as swelling, abscesses and infections."