PLANS for the UK's first heroin injecting centre in Glasgow could take years to come to fruition, it has emerged.

The Safer Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF) will allow addicts to inject street bought opiates under medical supervision.

Health chiefs had indicated that it was hoped the facility would be up and running before the end of the year.

However, the plans have been delayed as a suitable site has not yet been identified.

The Integrated Joint Board (IJB), made up of the council and NHS, is also waiting to find out if the Lord Advocate will grant a legal exemption to allow the possession of street-purchased heroin within the SCDF.

Figures show 1,573 people died across the UK as a result of illicit heroin use in 2015, while there were no deaths in any supervised facilities around the world.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership said:“Work remains on-going on the proposal to open a safer drug consumption facility and a heroin assisted treatment programme in Glasgow.

“Considerable progress has been made since the Health and Social Care Partnership gave the go-ahead in October last year for the development of a full business case for the project.

“A draft business case that outlined the economic, social and public health benefits of the project has since been approved by the HSCP and work to engage with a range of stakeholders has begun.

“The continuing rise in the rate of HIV infection among drug injectors and a rise in drug-related deaths indicate the need for this kind initiative in Glasgow.

“This remains a ground breaking initiative for Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“It was always the case that we would have to work our way patiently through all of the relevant issues before seeking final IJB approval for such an innovative project.”