Centre faces axe after funds cut

The manager of a day centre for alcoholics in Leicester has said the facility may be forced to close due to a cut in funding.

The Anchor Centre on Dover Street supports people with alcohol and drug problems who are homeless or have been homeless in the past.

Manager John Chalmers said it was now facing a £60,000 shortfall.

He said users, who are allowed to drink at the facility, could return to the streets if it closes.

'Off the streets'

Mr Chalmers said the cut in funding from Leicester's Drug and Alcohol Action Team would mean a major reduction in services and could result in the closure of the centre if more money cannot be found.

"The point is that a lot of users won't access other services because they won't be allowed to drink on the premises.

"We'll take people in here when they're drunk, we'll cope with their behaviour and keep them off the street," he said.

He added that the city could see an increase in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting if the centre closed its doors.