Drug help centre in bid to stay

Turning Point, in Priory Road, opened on a trial basis earlier this year, despite objections from people living nearby.

Now an application has been submitted to the district council for the removal of the temporary condition attached to the planning consent.

The centre, which offers counselling, advice and support for drug users and runs a needle exchange service, is working well, according to Turning Point Druglink, the charity which runs the centre along with Worcestershire County Council's Substance Misuse Team.

Priory Road resident Joyce Holmes said she had no concerns about the centre.

"People trying to come off drugs need help so places like this are needed and have to go somewhere," said Mrs Holmes.

But another resident, Eric Pickering, felt the centre was in the wrong place and the council-owned building could be put to better use, perhaps as housing.

Other people living near Turning Point, which is close to The Splash Swimming Pool and Priory Park, were more pragmatic.

"I wasn't happy when they first talked about opening it but it hasn't really had much impact on us. I'm not aware of it causing any problems," said Pam Williams.

Richard Wood agreed the centre had not caused the problems feared, although he said they had been told it would open for a trial period of 12 months before a decision was taken on its future.

"It hasn't been open a full year yet so I'm reserving judgment," said Mr Wood, who had been particularly concerned about the needle exchange service.

Turning Point spokesman David Chater said people had been understandably worried and that was why there had been a temporary trial.

"It's been very successful," he said.

"There's been a drop in the recorded crime rate, a drop in the number of discarded needles and no complaints from local residents."

Mr Chater said Turning Point was not attracting people to the area - it was providing a service to the sons, daughters, sisters and brothers of local people.