TWO streets in York city centre have been identified as potential sites for a new drug treatment centre.

City of York Council hopes to locate an integrated drug treatment centre at 38 Monkgate or in Melrose Yard in Walmgate, following a survey of suitable buildings.

It is the latest move to find a venue for the centre, which will see services from separate sites moved into one building saving many thousands of pounds, the council said.

Earlier plans to locate the drugs centre at the same address in Monkgate were withdrawn for further consultations in the wake of strong opposition, which saw the council receive more than 80 letters of protest.

A council letter to residents in Monkgate and Walmgate said: “Treatment services for people recovering from drug and alcohol problems already exist in York. As part of our improvements to the ways we provide treatment for our customers, we are proposing that our existing services, which are provided from different locations, are all provided from a single building.”

Residents have been sent letters inviting them to learn more information and to express their opinions to the plans at the Guildhall on July 26.

Guildhall councillor, Janet Looker said: “I know these issues are always very difficult for residents but I hope the meetings will give them a chance to express their views very clearly and to hear what is going on from the council.”

Letters submitted to the planning department earlier in the year against locating the treatment centre in Monkgate included concerns about an impact on crime levels and the closeness of the centre to St Wilfrid’s Primary School and Nursery.

If you would like to attend next Tuesday’s meetings in the Guildhall, which will be held at either 2pm or 6pm, email acedat@york.gov.uk or phone 01904 554385.