Worthing says no to drug centre

The drug and alcohol treatment charity Addaction had applied to open an advice and counselling centre on the first floor of the centre, centralising its existing four Worthing premises into a single "one-stop-shop".

The charity, which provides drug and alcohol treatment services for West Sussex Primary Care Trust, said the move would improve access and services for its users.

Controlled substances would not be kept on the premises.

Neighbours' concerns

But residents and traders claimed the scheme would increase crime, harm trade and bring down house prices.

Members of the council development and control committee voted unanimously against the proposals.

Cyril Selby, from Guildbourne Court Residents' Association, said he was delighted by the decision, adding: "We are not against what they do, it's just the location."

John Rogers said Addaction did good work, adding: "If it wasn't for the people who work at Addaction, things could be a lot worse."

Joan Bradley said she understood residents' concerns, but recognised that people using the service were looking for help, not trying to deal drugs.

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to Worthing news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]

Click here for the Herald staff directory.

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.