A CENTRE offering drugs and alcohol treatment in Huddersfield town centre could move – after a string of complaints.

Kirklees Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan has confirmed that he was aware of a number of complaints of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

And he said the option of a move for Lifeline, currently situated in Station Street, may well be something the council could consider.

He said that there was a possibility of premises becoming vacant in 18 months’ time near the Whitehouse Centre in New North Parade. However, the move would have to be financially viable.

The Whitehouse is a pioneering healthcare service for vulnerable members of the public, such as the homeless.

Clr Khan spoke out after the matter was raised by Clr David Ridgway, who said the current location in the heart of the town centre was inappropriate.

He raised the issue following complaints of anti-social behaviour in the town centre by members of Huddersfield Business and Community Group, a nonpolitical group formed four months ago to support small businesses near St Peter’s Gardens.

The business people say they have to cope daily with problems such as urine, faeces and vomit on or near their premises, as well as intimidating behaviour from a small number of people who habitually hang around the area.

Some of the business owners claim that certain individuals are users of the Lifeline drugs and alcohol treatment centre, which was set up six years ago in Station Street. They are calling for the centre to be moved to a more suitable location.

Clr Khan said: “There has been a number of complaints received by members of the public and businesses around anti-social behaviour within the vicinity of the town centre.”

He said that these complaints were “bona fide and legitimate” and added: “The organisation Lifeline has worked closely with local police to try and respond to these issues.”

Clr Khan said that there would be a significant cost to moving Lifeline.

He said that the manager of Lifeline wanted the organisation to be located within the town centre ring road, to ensure that its clients could access their services by public transport.

Clr Khan added: “Lifeline has a high national reputation for its integrated treatment service which has been developed since it opened in 2006.

“We have to make sure that however we proceed, we also have to ensure that these vital services are continued.”