The three pharmacies in Oxford Road now have improved CCTV

Chemists in Oxford Road, Reading, said they were considering pulling out of the program because of concerns over the safety of their staff.

The scheme lets drug users exchange their used needles for packs containing new syringes and cleansing swabs.

The police and council gave �13,000 to improve CCTV around the pharmacies.

The added security the CCTV provides now means we are happy to continue participation in the pharmacy needle exchange service Look Manjee Western Elms Pharmacy

Look Manjee, pharmacist at Western Elms Pharmacy, said: "We're very pleased with the new CCTV and feel safer as it acts as a visible deterrent protecting our customers and our staff.

"The added security the CCTV provides now means we are happy to continue participation in the pharmacy needle exchange service."

Cllr Viki Lloyd, from Reading Borough Council, said: "The Pharmacy Needle Exchange Service helps in our fight to rid the Oxford Road of drugs and associated crime, decreasing drug-related deaths and stemming the spread of disease.

"It is vital that the pharmacies in the scheme feel confident about providing a continued service."

The pharmacy needle exchange service includes providing drug addicts with clean syringes and needles, swabs, condoms, and collecting used equipment.