PROFESSIONAL counsellors are set to move in on a drug-hit Chorley housing estate to help residents break the habit.

The drop-in centre, to be based at a North British Housing Estate in Clayton Brook, will be staffed by an experienced community worker offering advice and support to drug abusers.

The pilot project, backed by £19,000 from a government hand-out of £44,000, is the brainchild of the Lancashire Drug Action Team, the South Lancashire Health Authority and North British Housing Association, which is providing the drop-in centre premises.

Ian Phillips, DAT strategy co-ordinator, said: "Clayton Brook has a severe drugs problem which needs to be tackled as a matter of urgency.

"This pilot scheme will hopefully pave the way for funding for similar projects. The idea is to provide a confidential, convenient community centre where drug abusers can go for advice, emotional support and to get involved in leisure activities."

He added: "The centre will also be an ideal opportunity to carry out research into drug misuse - why, how and which people are involved in drugs.

"This money has helped the action team look at projects, such as this, so that we can enhance and build on the service we now offer."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.