Plans to introduce a unique pilot scheme to deal with used drug needles looks set to get the go-ahead in Shipley.

Alison Richards, Bradford Drug and Alcohol Action Team co-ordinator, reassured residents at a neighbourhood forum meeting that the introduction of needle disposal bins would not cause problems in the town centre.

The plan is to put a metal bin in an easily accessible place which will be available for 24-hours a day.

The bin will be able to be used by anybody including diabetics and heroin addicts.

Inspector Nigel Cawthorne, of Shipley Police, did point out that most complaints about drug use came from outside areas which prompted concerns from residents that the bins would attract drug users into the centre.

But Ms Richards said: "It is very difficult to decide where to put the bins when there is only one for the area.

"It has to be in a place easily accessible and we are trying to make the place safer for everybody.

"We know that not everybody will use them but if some people do it will be making the area a safer place."

Residents agreed that it was a good idea and offered suggestions as to where the bin should be placed, including outside health centres. The project should be put into action by the end of July.

Shipley is one of six areas expected to house a needle bin. Keighley and Bradford town centre are also set to get bins.

The idea came from Kirklees, which now provides 24 bins across the area. Last year it was estimated that 15,000 needles were disposed of safely in this way.