A TOWN'S drug and alcohol services could be relocated from the "temporary" building they have been housed in since 2002.

Hartlepool councillors are being asked to approve plans to move the service to the One Life Centre in Park Road, which it is hoped will make it easier to provide care for people with addictions.

Members of the finance and policy committee at Hartlepool Borough Council will be told the existing facility in Whitby Street is no longer fit for purpose.

Public health officials at Hartlepool Borough Council say the proposed move is a key part of their plans to transform the delivery of treatment services and help people reduce their levels of dependency.

Director of Public Health Pat Riordan said: “The One Life Centre is in a very good location in the town centre, close to good public transport links and near to a range of related health facilities, including pharmacies, GP practices and specialist health services.

“The clinical space is of the highest quality and will allow the service to develop from one that ostensibly provides opiate medication to one which delivers a wide range of primary care-orientated clinical interventions in a clean and modern environment that meets the requirements of the Care Quality Commission.”

Meanwhile, recovery services will be relocated from The Willows in Raby Road to Gladstone House in Victoria Road, with the new premises expected to be fully operational by March 2nd.

The premises are larger than the Willows and will offer substance misusers a range of facilities and spaces where they will be able to meet, support one another and receive support from a range of agencies.

The Whitby Street facility was first put up in 2002 and in the most recent condition report, work costing an estimated £7,470, mostly electrical work, was identified as necessary.

A report for councillors says it is "doubtful" whether the current physical integrity of the building would satisfy basic levels of infection control going forward as required for registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

If approved, the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service would lease the premises from the One Life Centre.

A public report does not give details of how much the move would cost but says the lease is considered "good value for money".

The report adds: "The relocation of the service to a higher quality, better located facility would support the aspiration that there should be a transformative approach to the delivery of drug and alcohol treatment services in Hartlepool which would bring about significant change in behaviours, reduce levels of dependency and increase the preventative offer."

The proposed re-location will be considered by the council’s finance and policy committee on Monday, February 10.