THE organisers behind a controversial new drug recovery centre in York are seeking to reassure concerned residents about the services it will offer.

City of York Council hopes to save more than £30,000 by moving three treatment services into an integrated drug recovery centre at 38 Monkgate, or in Melrose Yard, Walmgate, following a survey of city buildings.

The new centre, previously known as a drug treatment centre, will provide services such as one-to-one counselling, group work, a needle exchange, abstinence support and medical advice and treatment.

Earlier plans to locate the drugs centre at the same address in Monkgate were withdrawn for further consultations in the wake of strong opposition, attracting more than 80 letters of protest.

Concerns raised focused on issues such as crime, antisocial behaviour and drug litter, and locating the centre so close to St Wilfrid’s Primary School and Nursery.

Paul Murphy, assistant director at the council, said they were trying this time to include members of the public in the consultation.

He said the council was holding meetings about the plans on Tuesday to hear from residents and listen to concerns. But he said they were obliged to offer these services and would ultimately have to go ahead.

There are currently 1,000 people in York accessing treatment for drug abuse and about 50 people a day or about 630 people a year are expected to use the day centre, the council has confirmed.

The service will operate during office hours, sometimes opening until 7.30pm, to support people in work.

Leigh Bell, commissioning and contracts manager for substance misuse, said the centre would treat people, most of whom ask for help voluntarily, to deal with a variety of substance misuse problems.

She said needle exchanges had been running in York for decades and were currently offered in chemists and two major supermarkets. They were statistically known to reduce drug litter in the surrounding area.

No medication would be kept in the building, Mr Murphy said, adding that the centre offered “a solution” for those battling drug and alcohol problems.

A formal planning application is expected to be submitted in September, with consultations running for three months. A decision on the site is expected in January and the council hopes the building will be ready to use by April 2012.

If you would like to attend Tuesday’s meetings at the Guildhall to get more information about the plans and to express your opinion, email acedat@york.gov.uk or phone 01904 554385.

The meetings will be held at either 2pm or 6pm.