A new support service for drug and alcohol abusers is coming to Witney.

The confidential service is to be based at the Witney Child and Family Clinic at 62a Corn Street and is launched on Friday, May 31.

It will operate through a link-up with the Libra drugs project in Oxford. Outreach surgeries will soon be opened at Chipping Norton and Carterton

Louise Chapman, the West Oxfordshire District Council cabinet member for community safety, said: "This is the first service of this kind in west Oxfordshire.

"It will be offering practical support for all those with issues and concerns around drug and alcohol misuse."

Among those at the launch will be Witney MP David Cameron, a member of the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee which published a controversial report on drugs this week. It called for a radical new approach, downgrading ecstasy and cannabis use and concentrating on treatment for the country's 250,000 hard drug addicts. Mr Cameron also wants a local treatment and rehabilitation programme for hard drug users in west Oxfordshire.

The new service will not be providing that, but it will pass on clients to facilities and support services available elsewhere in the county.

Council leader Barry Norton said: "This is not a treatment centre -- that's what we are still pushing for -- but it is a start."

All individuals referred to the centre, either by themselves or by families and friends, GPs and other agencies, will receive a care plan.

Call 01993 774892 for more information.