PLANS for a big housing scheme to accommodate people recovering from drug and alcohol addictions have been revealed.

Darlington Borough Council is working with charities and health groups to provide a £1m facility in the town.

A lack of housing for people with substance misuse problems has been identified as a key issue in research commissioned by the Darlington Drugs and Alcohol Action Team.

Drug use among homeless people in the town is said to be as high as 88 per cent, and it is estimated that as many as 39 drug and alcohol clients are in need of supported accommodation.

A project team has been meeting for several months to develop plans for new accommodation. Suitable sites are being sought and the team is hopeful of finding somewhere in or near the town centre, to allow access to a full range of specialist support services.

The council's director of community services, Cliff Brown, said: "The figures do indicate a pressing need to address the housing issues of substance dependency in Darlington."

He said: "The proposed client group is anyone aged 18 years and over who is assessed as being motivated to change.

"An assessment panel will allocate the accommodation, with priority being given to Darlington residents.

"If no suitable Darlington residents are available, a place will be offered to someone outside the area and reciprocal arrangements with providers in other areas will be encouraged.

"Residents living in self-contained flats will be able to have their children stay over for contact, following a full risk assessment."

The building would be made up of 12 units, of which seven would have en-suite bathrooms and a shared lounge and kitchen. External closed-circuit television cameras would be provided.

The aim is to enable clients recovering from substance dependency to make the transition to gaining permanent housing.

Several of those who move on to permanent accommodation would have the benefit of a support worker for about a year after leaving the facility.