Reading has been officially designated a "High Crack Area"

They will give evidence to a special panel, called a "community inquiry" along with a range of experts on drug-related issues.

What work is already being done to tackle the problem will also be examined.

The Reading Borough Council inquiry comes after Battle Ward councillor, Tony Jones called for an investigation into drug-dealing in the Oxford road area of west Reading.

Last year, Thames Valley Police carried out a number of large raids in the town, now officially designated a "High Crack Area" by the government.

'Shooting-up'

Cllr Jones said: "Over the past 20 months there has been an apparent rise in crack cocaine use in west Reading, which police say is also linked to prostitution.

"Mothers and fathers are finding discarded needles and used condoms in play areas.

"Women are being pestered by kerb-crawlers as if they were prostitutes and drug addicts have been seen shooting-up in broad daylight in the middle of the street."

The findings of the inquiry - opening in February - will form the basis of a long-term strategy aimed at getting the situation under control.

Councillor Jim Hanley, who will chair the inquiry panel, said: "Shooting up in the street is unacceptable.

"I think we need an audit of what is exactly happening in Reading. This community inquiry is just the start.

"A key point has to be helping the drug addicts break the vicious cycle of drug taking."