THE collapse of a drug and alcohol treatment service has left City of York Council chasing more than £120,000 in lost funds.

Lifeline, which went into administration last year, was a national charity which supported people with drug and alcohol dependency.

The charity, which treated 80,000 people a year, was the council's chosen provider until last year, and the authority has confirmed it is still seeking money from adminsitrators.

Sharon Stoltz, director for public health at City of York Council said Lifeline's role was later replaced in York by Changing Lives and Spectrum Community Health provide Alcohol and Drug treatment services, but efforts were being made to recoup funds from them.

She said: "In terms of recouping lost funding from the previous provider, Lifeline, a claim has been lodged with the appointed administrators and we are awaiting further information from them.

"Lifeline’s administrators estimate that creditors can expect to recoup £0.62.4p in the pound for any losses which, in our case, is £120,795.41. We are working with them to release the funds."

*Anyone wanting more information about alcohol or drugs should visit talktofrank.com or if you or a family member are concerned by personal alcohol or drug use and wish to be referred to services in York, email York@changing-lives.org.uk