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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Mark McGivern

HIV charity worker loses job over plan to set up drugs consumption van

A charity worker lost his job after telling his bosses he wants to open a mobile drug van.

Peter Krykant believes his plan to create a mobile unit where addicts can inject in a safe environment is desperately needed.

The outreach worker's decision could help force the issue over Drug Consumption Rooms in Glasgow , which has divided the Scottish and UK governments.

But when he told his employer, Waverley Care, it was made clear that he couldn't pursue his plan and keep his job, the Daily Record reports.

Supporters hope that Police Scotland would allow Peter's controversial van to operate, despite being illegal.

Scotland's Lord Advocate has stated that the Misuse of Drugs Act would need to be altered to enable such a facility to operate legally.

Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Parliament have supported the opening of a DCR pilot scheme in Glasgow.

Peter said: "I'm sad that it has come to this, but my employers have told me they can't continue with my employment if I run the van, as there is not legal framework to accommodate what I hope to do.

"I had hoped they would go the other way and offer encouragement but I understand their decision and I accepted it so there was a mutual aspect to it.

"This will put some pressure on my family but I am committed to getting this van on the road to help people who are crying out for help."

Krykant, in recovery from drug addiction, is trying to raise £5000 to get a van operational in three weeks.

A spokesperson for Waverley Care said: "We believe strongly that treating drug use as a criminal justice issue has been detrimental to efforts to tackle drug related harm, including the ongoing HIV outbreak affecting people in Glasgow.

"When we discussed these issues with Mr Krykant, and he made clear his intention to proceed with his plan, both parties mutually agreed that it would be best to go our separate ways."

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