Kensington and Chelsea to introduce ‘safe-use rooms’ for addicts

By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter

Rooms could be set up in west London to allow addicts to take drugs in a safer environment.

Kensington and Chelsea council is looking at introducing “safe-use rooms” in Earl’s Court so people with “severe” habits won’t have to consume drugs on the street.

The area has seen a sharp rise in drug taking, drunken behaviour, aggressive begging and loitering since the Covid lockdown, according to council documents.

Earl’s Court councillor Linda Wade explained: “There is a resistance to change. I think you have to look at a fresh way of addressing [the drug use issue].

“If you have somebody crashed out in the street they then become vulnerable. They might get kicked, they might get stolen from, they might get in fights with people who want their drugs.”

“Rather than vulnerable users using in the street in a way you can control their use.”

The Liberal Democrat continued: “You can go anywhere in Earl’s Court and see groups of people sitting on doorsteps waiting for their dealer. You can go past and see drugs being exchanged in the open.”

A council report looking at how to make Earl’s Court safer said: “For the most severe of addiction recovery cases, explore the feasibility of the establishment of safe use rooms.

“This would provide a way for addiction to be managed in a controlled environment rather than on the streets.”

The idea would be dependent on funding. Health workers have also been looking at Opiate Substitute Therapy, when people are given opioids to help them become less dependent on heroin and other drugs.

There has also been an increased number of outreach patrols in hot spot areas of Earl’s Court to try and provide people with more support.

The ideas will be discussed at a meeting this week.

Pictured top: Kensington town hall (Picture: Hannah Neary)