Bradford has major Drugs problems. Drugs abuse is to blame for the collapse of families and for a great deal of the city's crime as well as ruining health and wasting young lives.

Much is being done to tackle the crisis, both medically and through the police, probation service and courts. However, there is a serious shortage of residential rehab places for those who want to rid themselves, in a safe and supportive environment, of the habit which has dragged them down. The Agape Project has earned a name for itself as just such a place.

Understandably enough, the project which was launched in Bradford and runs two houses here prefers to restrict itself to helping local people. There is clearly a significant need. It currently has 45 Bradford men on its waiting list for the 21 places it can offer as and when they become available.

It is worrying, then, that it finds itself in the position of having to consider letting some of those places go to people from other authorities' areas to help it to earn the money to make ends meet because its outgoings are exceeding its income from grants.

Because it primarily meets housing needs rather than providing treatment facilities, it is unable to claim NHS funding and must rely on Bradford Council's Supported People fund and gifts from well-wishers. The Council currently has many demands on its tightly-stretched budget and might well not be able to increase its commitment. However, surely there must be other agencies with some funds to spare which can help this worthwhile project continue its good work with Bradford people.