More drug needle bins could be introduced on Glasgow streets as the first one has been hailed a success.

The pilot needle bin has been installed at New Wynd off Trongate in the city centre and is suitable for drug paraphernalia to be safely disposed of.

Drug users have been using the bin as intended it is understood.

Councillor Allan Casey, SNP, said the bin was “delivered” in December and “has been really successful.” He said work is being carried out to evaluate the scheme and look at expansion.

The convenor for homelessness and addiction services added: “We will look to see if we can roll that out in other parts of the city that have high levels of drug detritus with the impacts of street injecting.

“Thankfully we have permission to move forward to open a drug consumption facility in that area of the city, which will make a huge difference in terms of the support for people with addiction issues in the city centre.”

The update came as councillors were presented with an update on the council’s begging strategy at a meeting yesterday.

The meeting heard more than £19,000 had been raised through an alternative way to donate to people who are begging called Street Change Glasgow. The money goes into a “central pot” so support workers can help people who are rough sleeping.

Councillor Casey told the meeting the funding has been accessed over 200 times with more than £16,000 used. Types of support given to people included clothing, mobile phone top-ups, travel and food.

Councillor Casey said: “It really is making a difference and hopefully we can expand and improve on that over the coming year.”

The meeting was also told about environmental improvements, which have helped with safety in relation to issues with street begging.

Actions include feature lighting at Sauchiehall Street and work taking place to improve the  Hielanman’s Umbrella.

Explaining more about lighting improvements, a council spokeswoman said: “The implementation of increased illumination levels such as pea lighting (small LED lights) in trees have been used at several locations, including Broomielaw in 2021, and Sauchiehall Street in 2022, aimed towards improving public safety and enhancing the local environment.”

The begging strategy runs from 2020 to 2025 and an update on its progress was presented to the wellbeing, equalities, communities, culture and engagement city policy committee.