DRUG users have been forced out of a public toilet after a council installed ultra-vio-let lighting - which makes it impossible for them to see the veins in their arms.

The conveniences at Hartlepool Central Library had become a haven for heroin addicts.

So bosses took action, taking out the old strip-lighting and replacing it with UV ele-ments.

The dim light reflects off the skin, but does not show the veins beneath it, making it impossible for drug users to insert a needle.

The solution seems to have had the desired effect, as drug abuse has been virtually wiped out at the library.

At first there were complaints from visitors when they walked into the dimly-lit loos.

But a sign was put up saying: "Why is the lighting dimmed in the public toilets?

"Because of the problems with people injecting drugs in the toilets. In the interests of health and safety for both staff and public, and on the advice of the police, ultra-violet lights were fitted.

"This makes it more difficult for the drug-takers."

A spokesman for Hartlepool Borough Council said the scheme is used on a small scale on the continent, particularly in Switzerland.

He added: "We took this action on the advice of the local police after we began discovering evidence of drug use in the toilets, such as discarded syringes.

"This is a problem which, unfortunately, is faced by many providers of public toilet facilities.

"As far as we are aware, the ultra-violet lighting has almost completely eradicated the problem of any drug use in the toilets.

"However, we continue to remain vigilant and the toilets will continue to be inspected at hourly intervals throughout the day."