PURPOSE-built homes for drug addicts are about to be set up in East Lancashire.

The Inward House drug charity initiative would prevent people who have completed detoxification going back to live near drug dealers and users and returning to addiction as a result.

It is one of two projects jointly financed by the health authority and social services to be unveiled at the East Lancashire Drugs Reference Group's Reporting Back conference on February 11.

The other is a move by the Lifeline agency aimed at protecting vulnerable people before they try drugs for the first time.

The East Lancashire Drugs Reference Group is an umbrella organisation incorporating drug services, voluntary organisations and local authorities across the region.

Chairman Mike Chambers, also chief executive of Hyndburn Council, said the Inward House proposal was based on a idea already operating in Lancaster.

He added: "Inward House is a charity which has been helping with the rehabilitation of drug users for 20 years in Lancaster and now wants to expand its operation across East Lancashire. "There are proposals for new buildings and Inward House has been talking to housing associations about doing that.

"Obviously, it is quite a controversial thing and no locations have yet been decided on.

"But together with the Lifeline initiative, it will mean we are fighting the battle against drugs at both ends, those trying to give up drugs and those that might be tempted to start using them."

Full details of both schemes will be revealed at the Reporting Back conference at the Mitton Fold Farm Hotel, Whalley Road, Langho, on February 11.

Its main aim will be to assess the success of the group's first 18 months in existence and formulate plans for the next two years.

Speakers will include Lancashire's Assistant Chief Constable John Vine, Chris May of the Ribble Valley's Activate service for parents and drugs users and CommuniCare NHS Trust's Sheila Wright.

Details of the joint funding from East Lancashire Health Authority and the social services departments operating in the region will be outlined.

Mr Chambers added: "The conference will end with the ELDRG outlining plans for the next two years.

"There will be workshops for all those who attend to discuss those plans and make any representations.

"I am not a drugs expert but by working together we can try and tackle this problem.

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