Council leader warns against a blanket ban

STOCKPORT Council leader Sue Derbyshire says a blanket ban on ‘legal highs’ isn’t the right way to go and that it could simply force trade underground.

Councillor Derbyshire has warned against ‘badly-written legislation’ that could do more harm than good.

A Psychoactive Substances Bill was announced in the Queen’s Speech but could be months before it becomes law.

There are concerns that its scope is too wide and could see people prosecuted for selling harmless herbal remedies.

But many critics are concerned simply banning all substances could actually see use rocket once unregulated.

Coun Derbyshire said: “The drugs that were illegal when I was a teenager are still illegal now. Their use hasn’t gone down. Banning them hasn’t stopped people from using them.

“When I was younger, drug deals were almost amateur. Now, they’re part of serious organised crime. We have to find better ways of helping people, with education and support.”

Coun Derbyshire said Stockport has a strong record in tackling problem drug use through working closely with police and health bosses.