One of the leading backers of the North Richmond safe injecting room says it is not working as well as intended and has called on the state government to extend its opening hours.

Despite new data revealing there was a 7 per cent drop in public overdoses in the six months after the centre opened last June, Reason Party leader Fiona Patten, admitted the safe injecting room had only brought about a ‘‘modest’’ improvement in the area.

Medical supplies at the safe injecting room. Credit:Darrian Traynor

She said the centre’s limited operating hours had led to potential clients using drugs in the streets after it closed, which was fuelling community frustration.

Ms Patten pointed blame at local councils and police who she said have stopped patrolling areas near the Lennox Street centre which were previously monitored.