TESCO has removed anti-drug ultra violet lights from its public toilets at its Ocotal Way store amid fears they could trigger epileptic fits.

The store installed the lighting after addicts were using the conveniences as a haven in which to inject heroin. Staff found discarded needles on the floor and blood in the sinks.

After the lights which make it difficult for addicts to find veins in which to inject were installed the store did not receive a single complaint about drug use.

But following instructions from head office, the store has removed the lighting.

Store manager Mike Daniel, 43, said: "It was said to us that the lights could trigger a reaction in someone that might have epilepsy. So far we've not had any problems either with epilepsy or drug addicts.

"We certainly don't want people with epilepsy affected by this, but we're confident we can deter drug abuse through regular monitoring."

Earlier this year Swin-don Council successfully completed a six-month programme of installing UV lighting in all public toilets across the borough with the aim of discouraging drug use.

The initiative followed the death from an overdose of 19-year-old Kellie Marie Oakes in the men's toilets at Swindon railway station last February.

Since then the authority has noted a considerable decrease in the number of needles and other assorted drugs paraphernalia being found in public lavatories.

Swindon's drug tsar, Glenys Armstrong, said: "The reality is that when a drug user needs to inject they will find somewhere safe and out of the view of the public to do so.

"Ultra violet lighting discourages drug users injecting in that particular environment, but I don't think it does anything to discourage drug usage per se."