Hall too small for PAL drugs meeting

THE organisers of a meeting aimed at educating people on the dangers associated with legal highs have had to transfer to a bigger venue.

People Against Legals (PAL) will host the Thursday, May 13 meeting in the McNeill theatre at 7pm Larne Leisure Centre because the original venue - Greenland community centre - could not cope with the expected numbers.

Since the Larne Times reported last week on the group's stand against the sale of legal highs in the town, membership has rocketed to over 760 and PAL has been inundated with expressions of interest in attending both the public meeting and a rally which is still at the planning stage.

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"The community centre couldn't hold all the people who have said they want to attend the meeting," said one of the organisers, Beverley White. "We have now linked up with the PSNI to organise the event, which will have input from the police and other statutory agencies."

PAL attracted 600 supporters within 10 days of being launched on the social networking website Facebook, where posts include latest media reports on drugs coming on the market to replace mephedrone - a powdered plant food used as a stimulant which was blamed for numerous deaths, including suicides, all over the UK before it was designated as Class B drug two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, this week Larne PSNI Inspector Noel Rogan said police recognise the serious concerns associated with drug misuse within the local community. He said he was coordinating with PAL regarding the forthcoming meeting.

"The group and the PSNI were in the process of planning separate information evenings. However, we believe this is an opportunity to show how local people can work together with statutory agencies in a positive way," said Insp Rogan.

READ THE FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S LARNE TIMES.

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