GRANADA Reports presenter Lucy Mea-cock has given her support to a unique new facility to help people with drug and alcohol problems in Halton.

Lucy, award winning anchorwoman of the ITV news programme, will perform the official opening of Ashley House in Widnes on September 5.

The facility will provide a 'one-stop shop' of advice and support coupled with a wide range of treatment options.

The centre is the first of its kind in the North West to offer such a comprehensive support network under one roof.

A wide range of statutory and voluntary sector agencies covering health, social care and the criminal justice system will be housed inside the three-storey building on Ashley Way which has recently undergone a £600,000 renovation.

As well as receiving treatment for drug addiction and alcoholism, users of Ashley House will be given help and advice in other areas such as returning to work or education, improving their health or finding suitable accommodation. These are all services that support people in their attempts to sustain their recovery from addiction.

Lesley Cleworth, Halton Joint Commissioning Manager (Drugs and Alcohol), said: 'The overarching aim of the Ashley House service is to deliver a more dynamic approach to tackling the harms caused by drugs and alcohol.

'Staff working within the unit are committed to ensuring that Halton has a useable, accessible range of services that focus on the diverse needs of service users, their families, carers and the Community as a whole.'

She added: 'Ashley House aims to provide a package of support that promotes opportunities for community integration while helping people to get the health care, training, employment and housing opportunities that they need.

'The 'one-stop- shop' approach has been commissioned in Halton in order to maximise the benefits of the range of services provided and will in addition to this, by building upon our existing work, continue to make an invaluable contribution to reducing drug and alcohol related crime across the borough.'

Community councillor Marie Wright said: 'Staff at Ashley House will be able to provide help and support for Halton residents by delivering services locally, I wish the project every success.'