A GROUND-BREAKING scheme to encourage heroin addicts in Leyland to kick the habit is being proposed by South Lancashire Health Authority.

The 'supervised administration scheme' would see chemists not only supplying the replacement therapy drug methadone, but also administering it in-house.

The authority is contacting all chemists in the South Lancashire area to ask their opinion.

Methadone, an opiate, is given in measured doses to heroin addicts trying to wean themselves off it, in the same way that smokers use nicotine patches or gum to help them kick the habit.

Malcolm Phillips, pharmacy adviser for the health authority, said pharmacists are under no obligation to stock the drug and can decide whether to or not depending on demand or security.

He said: "We are currently developing a scheme whereby drug users would have the opportunity in selected pharmacies to collect and take their prescribed methadone there and then, administered by the chemists."

He said chemists would work closely with the local community drugs team to monitor the scheme.

Of the five main chemists in Leyland, Moss Chemists, in Hough Lane, confirmed that they already stock methadone, Moss Side Pharmacy, in Dunkirk Lane, declined to comment, while the other three are owned by a company called David Sukert Ltd.

A spokesman for David Sukert Ltd said: "We have never refused to supply methadone but we don't stock it as there has been no demand for it at our shops.

"The question of methadone has been raised by South Lancs Health Authority and we are engaged in discussions to organise the scheme to supply addicts registered with the Chorley drug team.

"We are waiting for the team to liaise with us regarding this."

Steve Owen, service manager for Chorley and South Ribble Community Drugs Team welcomed the move. He said: "The scheme is designed to assist clients who find it difficult to manage their methadone.

"The chemist will administer the drug in private and we can insist users receive it under these conditions -- they will have to attend until we are satisfied they can manage themselves."

He said that some addicts find it hard to discipline themselves with their dose, often taking it all at once in the hope of receiving the same 'hit' as heroin.

He also hopes the scheme could help prevent methadone reaching the black market.

It is hoped the scheme will be introduced later this year and chemists who participate will receive financial compensation, although no figure has yet been set.

Mr Owen said: "The scheme has proved very positive in other areas, particularly Sheffield, and I feel it would be ground-breaking in Leyland."

Leyland Police are well aware of drug users in town, and only last year conducted a crackdown on drug abuse, Operation Catalyst.

Southern division commander, Ch Supt Paul Harry said: "I would be strongly supportive of such a scheme, we have conducted a number of operations dealing with drug dealers and users and we really want to continue this in partnership with other agencies.

"Often we arrest offenders and within 24 hours they are back in the same position. We are very keen they get proper supervised support to get them off illegal drugs and improve their health."

Ian Facer, spokesperson for the South Lancashire Pharmaceutical Committee, said: "We are behind the scheme as anything helps to ensure people are getting treatment is something we are all for.

"That is what the supervision is all about, making sure methadone stays with the person it is supposed to be for."