Controversial drug rehab centre on way despite objections

The news has been welcomed by service bosses and health chiefs say it will have a 'huge impact' on the lives of recovering drug addicts.

Cannock currently has the highest number of drug and alcohol addicts in the county.

The plan sparked a 1,000-name petition from people vehemently opposed to the centre, to be based in the former post office in Church Street, which closed in January.

The scheme will be run by Addiction Dependency Solutions (ADS), with Staffordshire County Council, to help people undergoing treatment for alcohol, substance and steroid misuse.

Chris Judge, service delivery director for ADS, said he was 'really pleased' that the application had been successful.

The centre will also provide support on mental health issues, housing, prescribing clinics, and support for family and carers. It is being promoted as the first step towards accessing the ongoing recovery services offered by the BAC O'Connor Centre in the town.

County councillor health chief Alan White said: "We shouldn't stigmatise those who are actively seeking help for their addictions. Instead we should be supporting them in their treatment and quest to get into recovery.

"The One Recovery Service is a tried and tested service that works well to help people with alcohol and drug dependencies in most major towns across the county. With this new, bigger treatment centre, we can have a huge impact on the lives of people who need treatment and help more people into recovery.

"Tackling and investing in drug and alcohol misuse has tremendous benefits to local communities. By helping people in recovery we can also reduce alcohol related crime, improve health and reduce the cost to local taxpayers."

Latest figures show that 474 people in Cannock Chase are currently accessing drug and alcohol treatment services, the highest in Staffordshire.

Across the UK, Cannock is in the worst 25 per cent of areas for deaths directly due to alcohol. The area is also in the top five per cent for alcohol-related hospital admissions for people under 18.

In the 12 months up to September, 165 people in Cannock successfully completed treatment with One Recovery.

Councillor White said investment in alcohol services has already made an impact across the county, with the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions falling for the first time in 2013-14.

Chris Judge said the focus of One Recovery was not only the individual but the 'much wider recovery' of family members, friends and community.

"The new premises in Cannock will allow us to deliver on that aim," he said.