Chewing khat is becoming an anti-social problem but Hillingdon Council are leading the way to regulate the legal high.

Their report investigated increasing links between khat and domestic violence, mental health problems and anti-social behaviour.

The first recommendations were presented to the Greater London Authority on May 27.

Women’s associations, such as the Sahan Centre for Somali women, are hearing from families where money is spent on khat and men are up chewing the stimulant all night leading to unemployment and domestic tension.

Nearly a year was spent on The Hillingdon Khat Report consulting over 80 people and organisations including other local authorities, drug organisations, police and Somali community groups by a Policy Overview Committee.

Chairman of the report Conservative Councillor Michael Markham said: “We hope the lessons we’ve learned can help other boroughs and ensure regulation is in place before serious problems arise.”

The chewable green leaves contain the active ingredients of Class C substances cathinone and cathine.

Chairman of Hayes Town Partnership David Brough was advisor to the Committee.

He supported the closure of khat houses in East Avenue, Hayes, over anti-social behaviour with spitting, people hanging around outside khat houses, and noise late at night.

Mr Brough said it is important not to stigmatise the Somali community for use of khat.

He said: “The vast majority of Somali community leaders are strongly against khat and believe it should be made illegal.

“It is only a small minority who are involved in the long term use of khat.

“As with any harmful drug the authorities need to find the best way of engaging with them to get them to change their behaviour.”

Khat is grown in the Horn of Africa and has been chewed by native people for centuries.

But more and more people are buying imported £4 bundles at greengrocers.

The report calls for regulation of khat imports at the border and the authority to destroy dangerous products.

Cllr Markham said: “It is probable it contributes to aggressive anti-social behaviour.

“We started to become aware of health and social problems.”

Chewing one or two bundles a week is not dangerous but the low cost has led to an over-use of khat, particularly among younger people.

Cllr Markham said: “It is not just a Hayes problem or even a Hillingdon problem, it is a national problem.”

The stimulant increases heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and excitement.

Long term effects include an increase in psychological problems such as depression, paranoia and anxiety, and sleep difficulties.

Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member Councillor Douglas Mills said: “We know this drug is increasingly attracting younger people and those from communities that haven’t traditionally used khat.

“It’s imperative that we regulate its use sooner rather than later.”

Spot-checking outlets is recommended to ensure it is sold safely within the police’s zero-tolerance policy.

Cllr Markham said: “Khat is unregulated, cheap and more and more people are becoming aware of it and experimenting.”

The Hillingdon Khat Report calls for a national information programme on the mental health dangers of khat for medical and emergency services.

Cllr Markham said: “This report is just an example of how Hillingdon is looking beyond its own borders.”

Regulation would involve civil penalties accompanied by education for people to understand the health damage of long term use.

The recommendations will be considered by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Theresa May and Minister for Crime Prevention James Brokenshire. Do you agree with the recommendations?

Give us your views at newsquest@newsassociates.co.uk