Colwyn Bay businesses had been concerned about the plan

Conwy Council had rejected an application to site the machine at the back of the town's police station.

Welsh Assembly Government planning inspector Iwan Lloyd concluded that the potential harm the machine could cause would have "outweighed" the benefits.

The police force said they noted and accepted the decision of the planning inspectorate.

In his report, Mr Lloyd said there was no dispute between the main parties that there was a need for the facility.

The differences, he said, were what kind of facility, and what location, was appropriate.

This machine could have provided help for people who need access to needles when the pharmacies are closed Carry Burton, Conwy Substance Misuse Action Team

Mr Lloyd said he accepted it would affect the living conditions of local residents and businesses "in relation to its location and the perceived fear and apprehension of crime and anti-social behaviour".

Although the car park near the proposed machine site was covered by CCTV, "public surveillance of the area is not good, especially during the hours of darkness".

During the day the car park was used by shoppers, which could deter people to make full use of it, he added.

Pharmacies

In a statement police said: "North Wales Police, on behalf of the Conwy Substance Misuse Action Team, note and accept the decision of the planning inspectorate.

"The future of the needle dispensing machine will now be resolved by the Conwy Substance Misuse Action Team."

Carry Burton from the team said she was "disappointed" at the decision as the "whole community would benefit".

"It's difficult to know what to do next," she said.

"We have the machine sitting in police HQ. We were hopeful the appeal would go through, we haven't any plans on what to do next.

"This machine could have provided help for people who need access to needles when the pharmacies are closed," she added.