TORFAEN'S first drugs centre to tackle addiction could be open by the end of May.

Work has begun on the £500,000 clinic, based at the former Mount GP Surgery, to combat problems of drug and alcohol problems.

Torfaen Council announced its plans for the facility a year ago by Torfaen and had hoped to have the service up and running by last September.

But problems with re-housing council staff who were using the building prior to work starting caused the delay.

The Substance Misuse Centre will be a base for GPs, psychiatrists, youth workers and other experts who will provide medical assessments, counselling, training, education, and help groups for addicts and their families.

Councillor Gwyneira Clark, executive member for housing and community safety, said the provision of the service in Torfaen is "long overdue".

"The centre will help the whole family of those who have problems with drug or alcohol addiction.

"It is about the package of care we offer to people and how we manage it. The new youth hostel has just opened and this centre will be part of the package, if we can support people at the time when they need it, then we will all benefit as a result."

It is thought around 100 families in Torfaen are affected by addiction. The centre will operate on a referral only basis. No methadone will be dispensed from the clinic which will operate during normal business hours.

"It is sad to think there are serious problems that seem to be affecting young people and their parents. This centre will provide them with an opportunity to speak to trained professionals."

Presently, many of those accessing this service have to travel to Newport for help. "This centre is long overdue," she said, "Those affected are often on low incomes and can't afford to travel to Newport regularly, so I am pleased we are able to address this need."