CONCERN has been expressed over a shortage of accommodation in Darlington for homeless people who use drugs.

Those working with the homeless have called for better provision for people living on the streets who are dependent on illegal substances and alcohol.

There are greater fears over the fate of young drug users who find it even more difficult to find permanent homes.

To try to find a solution to the housing shortage, a conference is being organised in Darlington next month.

Representatives from various agencies will meet at the town's Dolphin Centre to discuss what specific needs drug users have when looking for somewhere to live.

They will also be debating how those who are attempting to come off drugs can be helped to find a home.

The conference has been arranged by the Darlington Housing Action Group.

The housing group's spokesman, John Elliston, said: "We need to look at what does and does not work when attempting to house people with substance abuse problems, identify the obstacles facing these people trying to find a place to call home and come up with a strategy to improve things.

"We are very grateful for all the work done in Darlington by the various groups in the town and for the support of the borough council.

"We hope we can use this opportunity to work out a way forward."

The council has a specific policy covering homeless people who are trying to recover from drug addiction.

A spokesman said: "We try to support people as much as possible.

"If a housing officer has been working with a drug user while they are homeless, we will try to ensure they continue to work together to keep the accommodation we have found.

"It could be that the person is still in rehabilitation, so we will try to make sure they have as much help as possible."

The keynote speech at next month's conference will be given by Kevin Flemen, a strategist with a leading national drugs charity.

He has worked for more than ten years as a street and outreach worker with homeless drug users in London and it is hoped his experiences will help to suggest solutions for the Darlington problems