A PROJECT aimed at providing support for drug addicts in parts of Teesside is to begin in April.

The scheme will have a centre in South Bank and one in Middlesbrough. It will provide support for about 500 people in South Bank, Eston and Grangetown.

The scheme is thought to be the first of its type in the UK, and will be run by a team of specialists experienced in dealing with addicts and their families.

The centres will act as a first stop for drug misusers to access general medical treatment and specialist help with addiction. Families will also be able to register to receive support.

The scheme will offer rapid treatment for addiction by reducing waiting lists.

It is hoped it will lead to a reduction in crime, and relieve pressure on people who have a drug user in their family.

Some residents in South Bank are concerned that the area will face an influx of drug addicts who may add to levels of crime in the town.

One resident said: "It's good news for South Bank. However, what I don't want to see is South Bank becoming a dumping ground for all other areas' problems."

Dr Ian Guy, from Middlesbrough and Eston Primary Care Group, said: "We understand peoples' concerns about having a resource for drug misusers close to where they live. I must emphasise that we will be making sure that the premises we use are not close to people's homes.

"We believe that the scheme will help to address the drugs problems locally by getting more people into the system and treated more quickly, so they can make a quicker return to normal life, so reducing crime."

Another resident said: "The drugs centre has to be a good thing. I can't think of any other way forward to get addicts out of their culture of drug abuse."