A review of drug services across the district looks set to take place within weeks.

The district's Primary Care Groups have agreed with Bradford Health Authority to commission a review of facilities to support Bradford's addicts.

The news follows the announcement that Bradford's biggest Drugs clinic has been overwhelmed with pleas for help and can no longer accept new referrals.

Directly funded by the health authority, the Bradford Drugs Dependency Clinical Services on Sunbridge Road serves the whole district and has more than 800 addicts on its books. Patients already registered with the clinic will continue to receive treatment such as the heroin substitute methadone.

But from May 15, new patients will be turned away because of lack of resources.

A spokesman for the health authority said staff had been in discussions with the service's director Dr Michael Ross, but no decision had yet been taken about its future.

Last week drugs adviser and member of the Community Health Council Les Vasey warned the closure would lead to an upsurge in crime. Welcoming the review, he said: "I would urge the health authority to actively consult with the community in inner-city areas about the significant drugs problems. They should engage with the CHC and should speak to patients and people who are looking to use the services.

"They are getting advice from professionals who have a vested interest and very little interest is shown in all the needs and views of those concerned."

Lynnette Throp, chief executive of Bradford City Primary Care Group, said it was important to review drugs services, an area which was a changing field of care, and act upon any recommendations made.

Bradford Drugs Dependency Clinical Services is already working beyond its maximum capacity. And senior drugs worker Sue Tyson said at least 40 more people were waiting for treatment.

She said: "When somebody presents him or herself for treatment, they are at a point when they want to change - they want to make some difference to their life. We're having to say 'I'm sorry, we're full'. It's heartrending."

lIn a story in the Telegraph & Argus last Thursday about the Drugs Dependency Clinical Services, we wrongly said that Mr Les Vasey was calling on the CHC to consult people about the future of the drugs unit.

He was actually asking Bradford Health Authority to consult with the community and the CHC. We apologise for any misunderstanding caused by the error.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.