Plans for a new 3m housing project for young people have been criticised for excluding drug users.

Labour councillors said Oxford's Dispersed Foyer Project will fail to help the most vulnerable members of society.

But Liberal Democrats approved new plans for the scheme, which will provide young homeless people with accommodation and support to get them into training and employment. Between 40 and 50 people aged 16-25, who are already in supported housing, will be provided with accommodation at a range of sites across the city.

This would be linked with accommodation and services provided by the Bridge and the Gap and information and advice from the One Stop Shop on anything from training to careers. But anyone who poses a risk of violence or arson and drug and alcohol users will not be eligible for the scheme.

Labour councillor Val Smith told the city housing committee: "We welcome any expansion in accommodation for homeless young people but we regret the fact that Liberal Democrats have moved away from helping the most vulnerable.

"This project will not do anything for people who have not been free from drugs for six months which leaves out the people who need help the most."

Liberal Democrat chairman David Connett said: "You need to recognise you have a problem and want to solve it. Drug users need to control their habit before they can benefit from these services."