DRUG addicts are being offered Government-funded rounds on the golf course as part of a rehabilitation programme.

The project, in Hartlepool, is providing the town's drug users with free use of a nine-hole course, along with golf clubs and sportswear, in an effort to encourage them to rebuild their lives through sport.

However, the initiative, set up by the Drugs Intervention Programme (DIP), has been condemned by critics who think the money could be better spent.

But supporters say that since the DIP was piloted in 2005, to provide a range of services for more than 200 offenders, crimes such as robbery, burglary and theft have fallen by 27 per cent among those on the scheme.

Since sports were incorporated into the programme last year, about 50 offenders have taken up activities such as football, ten-pin bowling and badminton. Golf has proved the most popular, with 90 per cent of offenders saying they would like to take it up.

The sports project costs £4,000 a year, half of which comes from Tees Valley County Sport Partnership and the other half from the DIP, which is funded by the Home Office.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Any scheme that sees such a significant reduction in crime has to be welcomed."

Detective Superintendent Gordon Lang, head of crime for Hartlepool police, said: "The results make excellent reading for anyone who lives or works in Hartlepool."

The DIP bought two sets of golf clubs and other equipment after coming to an agreement with Hartlepool Power Station to use the nine-hole course at its Tees Road plant.

Alison Mawson, head of community safety and prevention for Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "As drug users eventually respond to treatment, we are encouraged to provide them with access to other things, such as training courses, which could lead to employment or into sport or leisure activities.

"The reduction in crime since the scheme started has been marvellous, and I think if you look at the money we are laying out compared to the drop in offences, then there is value for money in what we are doing."

The project has, however, angered some councillors, who feel the money could be better spent.

Councillor Victor Tumilty, who represents the town's Grange ward, said: "We are catering for people who have drug problems brought on by themselves. We have youngsters in the town who can't afford these activities and they are being penalised. I think it's all wrong."

But Councillor Alison Lilley, who represents the Fens ward, said: "Anything that helps people get off drugs I would support 100 per cent. Sometimes, we have got to spend a little bit to get a lot more back."