PLANT pots seized during cannabis raids have been recycled – to grow herbs for the community.

In a joint partnership between Audley and Queen’s Park Learning Centre and the local neighbourhood police, the plastic planters previously used to grow the illegal substances are being donated to a community cause.

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And now people are being invited to take part in free herb planting courses which teach the basics of gardening and growing herbs from seed.

The idea was the brainchild of PC Anthony Blezard, community beat manager for Shadsworth and Whitebirk, and Sabbir Patel, community officer at the centre.

PC Blezard said: “Drugs are a massive problem in the area. In the last 20 months I have been involved in more than 30 cannabis raids. The various sized pots are usually thrown out but now this scheme is giving something back to the community while showing them what we’re doing about the drug problem.

“The feedback has been really encouraging. Everyone is really excited about the project, and about growing something healthy and positive in the pots.”

The compost and seeds have been bought with a small council grant, but Sabbir said he was hopeful compost could be used from future drug raids, plus tools, canes and watering cans.

Sabbir said: “Shadsworth and Whitebirk have a lot of problems. One of them is the unkempt gardens. We want to encourage people to do these workshops and grow their own plants at home, and make the most of their gardens and use them in a better way.”

The next session is at Blackburn Food Bank on Tuesday.