Former legal high shop closed down in Worksop

A shop in Worksop, which was discovered to be still selling the drugs formerly known as legal highs, has been closed down in a move welcomed by local community leaders.

The shop, named Bing Bong, on Gateford Road in Worksop, opened in 2014. It received criticism when packets of the drugs, known as new psychoactive substances, were seized from the shop by Trading Standards. Tests were carried out on the packets, which had names such as ‘Charlie Sheen’ and ‘Go-Gaine’.

The test results were inconclusive, allowing the shop to stay open, and the reason for the recent closure remains unknown. A reporter from the local newspaper spoke to the shop owner in 2015, who claimed at the time that he was considering closing his outlet due to criticism received from local residents.

The shop closure has been welcomed by Alan Diggles, who is the CEO of the area’s homelessness charity, HOPE. He believes that the shop was fuelling the local drug problem. He said, “It is a real step forward that Bing Bong has closed, a tremendous help for those who have substance misuse issues. As it takes away the source that I believe was causing immeasurable damage to people’s long-term health.”

Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle used the closure to confirm that any shop that wilfully flaunts current legislation surrounding the substances will face criminal investigations by the police or Trading Standards.