A market town with a growing number of heroin users is pioneering a project to prevent first-time drug offenders progressing to hard Drugs.

North Yorkshire police, in partnership with Skipton-based Craven Organisation for Drugs and Alcohol (Coda), has set up a drug arrest referral scheme. It means first-time offenders are offered a choice of taking up special counselling and advice instead of facing a magistrates court.

Coda, which has 150 clients on its books, 60 per cent of whom are heroin users, also runs a needle exchange service which has seen exchanges rocket from 45,000 in 1996-97 to 60,000 in the last 12 months.

Jane Taylor, Coda's project co-ordinator, said: "The referral scheme allows people to come along to see a project worker to discuss their situation and see whether they intend to stop and to explain the consequences of drug taking."

It allows a young person, who may be facing a first offence for possessing cannabis, a chance to seek advice and help rather than have a criminal record which could have an impact on their future.

Sergeant Stuart Thompson, who helps co-ordinate the project, said it had been running since March and so far there had been no re-offenders.

He said: "Thirty per cent of crime is drug-related.

"Prosecution doesn't work in many cases and we have to try alternatives like this scheme which is about educating the user away from drugs."

He stressed it was not a let-off for offenders and drug users would not be allowed on the scheme if officers did not believe they would benefit.

Skipton Police Chief Inspector Ron Johnson said: "There is a serious heroin problem in Skipton and we are very active in trying to tackle it.

"It is a big priority in the police plan and we take a very pro-active stance working to unearth drug pushers and dealers."

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