A MAJOR initiative is being launched to tackle rising numbers of street drinkers in Keighley.

Public Health England has awarded nearly £250,000 for the scheme, which will see a special centre – capable of treating over 150 alcohol users a year – set-up in the town.

Keighley’s award-winning drug and alcohol charity, Project 6, is spearheading the venture.

Its chief executive officer, Vicki Beere, said: “Keighley has been hit particularly badly by austerity and there is an increasingly-visible cohort of street drinkers within our community.

“In addition to this, many people are developing complex problems alongside their alcohol dependency and may be repeatedly admitted to hospital for related issues.

“Street drinkers are likely to have complex needs, such as severe alcohol dependency and histories of serious physical or mental health problems.

“This project will focus on increasing the numbers of alcohol-dependent adults accessing treatment.”

Keighley MP John Grogan, who was involved in discussions about the groundbreaking plans, welcomes the launch of the service.

“The rise in the number of street drinkers in the centre of town is something that has been raised with me by members of the public and local businesses – whose trade has been affected,” he said.

“This is an issue I have continued to raise with Public Health England – and others – and I am delighted that it has now decided to provide funding to buy and refurbish premises and set-up a centre.

“Significant public money is involved, but if some of those whose lives have been blighted by addiction can become productive members of society – and if we can as a result create a better atmosphere for retailers in the town centre – every penny will have been well spent.”

He added: “Over recent decades, Project 6 have been like angels in Keighley, turning around the lives of many of those addicted to drink and drugs.”

The new scheme has received widespread backing from health professionals and businesses.

In addition to the new centre, for which premises have been identified, there will be several strands to the service.

It will include community outreach, with workers going out across the town.

There will be access for alcohol users to a wide range of support – such as help with improving physical and mental health, crisis care and intensive therapeutic back-up aimed at motivating people to take part in treatment.

‘Recovery buddies’ will support alcohol users throughout the process.

People will also be able to use the Project 6 community kitchen.

The new provision is welcomed by Dr James Thomas, clinical chairman of NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven clinical commissioning group.

He said: “We are very supportive of Project 6 and the positive contributions it makes to help local people with substance addictions and their families, and we were pleased to support this bid.

“We’ve commissioned services from Project 6 for a number of years and are delighted that it has secured these funds.

“The new premises will place the charity on a firm footing and enable it to continue its challenging yet positive work.”

Tom Ratcliffe, a GP, says accessing good primary care services is critical for the alcohol users.

He applauded the fact Project 6 was working with voluntary and community sectors, Airedale Community Partnership and primary care to pilot an “inclusion health” service that would provide outreach healthcare for vulnerable groups.

Paul Howard, manager of Keighley Business Improvement District, also applauds the scheme.

“The number of street drinkers congregating in the town centre is an issue that has been raised a few times by businesses,” he said.

“Any action to support the alcohol users off the streets has got to be welcomed.”