A charity that helps drug addicts has won strong cross-community support for its ambitious plans to move to a bigger base to expand its work in York.

Compass helps scores of drug-users in the city. Its work at the Drugs Resource Scheme (DRS) includes support, counselling, needle exchange and collection schemes, and a "drop-in" service for addicted people.

The DRS also offers an "outreach" service, where workers head on to the streets to make first contact with clients and is involved with the police arrest referral scheme, under which people arrested for a first drugs offence are offered counselling rather than prosecution.

Compass has applied to move its DRS to a new base in Bridge Street, near Micklegate, just over the road from its current base.

Support for the move has been offered by the Methodist Church, the police, a firm of York solicitors, a doctor, and the Arc Light project for the homeless based at Leeman Road.

City of York Council planning officers are behind the scheme, recommending it for approval and saying it "provides a very important lifeline".

Compass operations director Matt Knight said the move was "vital" for the charity.

He said: "We see this as a really exciting opportunity to put in place services that will benefit the entire York community, which is why we have got the community support.

"There will be a strong focus on community responsibility, safe disposal of used injecting equipment and moving people away from criminal behaviour and into mainstream society.

"To do the kind of work we need and want to do we need more space, which is what the new place can offer us."

Chris Newsome, City of York Council development control officer, says in a report: "From the applicant's point of view the premises are ideal, providing a base where the various separate services can be drawn together in one building.

"This is essential to provide a more effective service for this valued work in the city."

Ten nearby business owners and residents have objected to Compass's plans, saying they could lead to antisocial behaviour and affect quality of life. They also claim the centre would be better suited to other locations in York.

Mr Newsome says officers appreciated the concerns of objectors, but felt Bridge Street was an appropriate location.

He says: "Bridge Street is more of a thoroughfare than many of York's streets. It is not a street where people congregate. It is not a street within the historic core of York, where people are lingering amidst pavement cafes or the tourist sites."

The application will be discussed at The Guildhall on Thursday, from 5pm.

Updated: 10:58 Friday, May 30, 2003