A WINSFORD businessman wants condoms to be made available and affordable in all schools, colleges and universities across the country.

Simon Cole, of Swanlow Avenue, believes that the contraceptives should be located in education establishments so that young people, aged 14 to 24, can get access to "good quality contraception when they need it".

He said: "In the UK alone, more than 90,000 girls under 18 become pregnant annually. Part of the reason for this is that condoms are not easily accessible and affordable to all who would like to use them. I want to change this.

"Ninety-nine per cent of people will be sexually responsible given the chance and the tools. But contraception is often over-priced and is embarrassing to buy.

"My goal is to ensure that condoms are available in pubs, clubs, off-licences, record stores and other places where young people socialise, shop and spend their leisure time."

He added: "Some people might think 'that's disgusting, you're encouraging people to have sex'.

"But my argument is if they are going to make the decision to have sex anyway, we need to ensure that they have the tools to act responsibly."

Simon has worked in the condom industry for more than 10 years for companies such as Durex and Condomi, but now runs his own company, Condom Solutions Ltd, based in Winsford.

Now the businessman - who claims teenage pregnancy rates in Winsford are among the worst in Britain - has just launched a range of condoms called True under three different brand names.

He said: "Adolescents often don't want to go to their GP because it is their family doctor and they are worried about confidentiality.

"Likewise they are embarrassed about getting condoms from clinics or a chemist. I want to get rid of the embarrassment factor. Sex is not evil. Ignorance is the killer.

"Having condoms available in schools may be challenging the status quo. But if it takes someone like me to provoke debate and make a difference, then I will have done my job."

rfraser@guardiangrp.co.uk