Call for school condom machines

A retired head teacher has called for condom machines to be installed in some of Lincolnshire's secondary schools.

Grant Allan, a district councillor, says it could help reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).

Teenage conceptions in East Lindsey are below the national average, but there are worries about the spread of STIs.

Health Protection Agency figures show the number of national HIV diagnoses is up by seven per cent. Chlamydia rates rose by nine per cent in the past year.

Councillor Grant denied that such a move would condone promiscuity.

He said: "I suspect parents wouldn't be happy if their teenage daughter comes home pregnant or with Chlamydia.

"And if children are - and they are - indulging in sexual activity at younger and younger ages, then we ought to be doing our best to protect them."

He added: "At the end of the day, if they're not receiving that message properly and we're not giving that message properly then we need to find other ways of preventing the outcomes which can be dreadful."