Retailers to learn of dangers of solvent abuse

Retailers in Londonderry are being urged to back a new initiative aimed at addressing the problem of solvent abuse.

The initiative is part of a scheme launched in December last by the Health Promotion Agency aimed at making retailers aware of the legislation regarding the sale of solvents and supporting them in refusing to sell these substances to young people.

Launching the event, the city Mayor Councillor Shaun Gallagher said: "All of us are deeply concerned at the growing problem of solvent abuse and I welcome any steps that are being taken to address the situation in the city.

"It is deeply disturbing to read that since 1971 there have been 76 solvent abuse related deaths in Northern Ireland. In fact more teenagers die from sniffing household products than from the abuse of illegal drugs."

John Meehan, Chief Environmental Health Officer with Derry City Council said the purpose of the seminar is to enable retailers to identify products that can be abused.

"We hope the information seminar will give local retailers the opportunity to learn about the dangers of solvent abuse and to raise their awareness of the legislation covering the sale of these products," he said. "Those attending the seminar will get practical advice on coping with difficult situations that may arise when refusing sales."

The Council's Environmental Health Department, in partnership with the Western Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team, are inviting local retailers to attend the launch tomorrow at the Tower Hotel at 2.00pm.

(MB)