A SENIOR councillor last night called for Cheshire police to pilot a scheme to allow cannabis users to avoid being prosecuted.

Labour councillor Peter Nurse, a member of Cheshire Police Authority, wants a trial scheme set up in the county which he says would free up officers to concentrate on catching drug dealers.

The authority has agreed to debate the issue at a special seminar in October, when it will meet behind closed doors to question officers from Cheshire drugs squad on the effectiveness of their approach to the problem.

This follows the launch last month of a radical experiment in Lambeth, south London, where those found with cannabis for personal use will have it confiscated and receive a warning, but will not be prosecuted.

The scheme has received the informal backing of newlyappointed Home Secretary David Blunkett. Coun Nurse said: "I think there is a debate to be had about this in Cheshire - we shouldn't let everything be decided in London.

"The Home Secretary himself has spoken approvingly about Lambeth, where police are issuing cautions for possession and not taking up court proceedings with often quite severe penalties.

"In the case of cannabis, it is the suppliers we have got to get after. I do believe that we have to think again about our existing policing and law on the matter."

At present, in Cheshire, those found with small amounts of cannabis will be arrested and cautioned but not normally prosecuted. If they are caught for a second time, then prosecution is automatic.

At a meeting last month, Chief Constable Nigel Burgess said there was no prospect of the Constabulary changing its approach in the near future.

But Coun Nurse would like to see the police authority debating the issue so that members can decide for themselves.

His remarks were echoed by authority member and Warrington Borough Council leader, Coun John Gartside, who has been approached by Multiple Sclerosis sufferers who use the drug for medicinal purposes.

Welcoming the debate last night, he said: "It is good that we are talking about this. My mind is not set against it, but I would need to be persuaded."

A Home Office spokesman said Cheshire Police had the same discretionary powers as officers in Lambeth, and that the way they interpreted those powers was a matter for individual police forces and their chief constables.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said Mr Burgess often discussed issues with police authority members, but that it was a matter for his discretion.

He added: "Our approach to cannabis is in accordance with the laws passed by Parliament."

Police Association chairman Roy Hamer and Mr Burgess were unavailable for comment.