FORMER drug-addicts and alcoholics in Prestwich have been left devastated this week after they were told that their "lifeline" was being withdrawn.

And the news from the charity, Turning Point, that it was to close the Craft Factory in Warwick Street in January came less than a week after a successful open day received the seal of approval from Col John Timmins, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Now clients of the factory are hoping to get the decision reversed.

Owen Horan, an alcoholic, said: "We cannot stand back and watch it close, we need it as a lifeline.

"Since I have been coming here it is the longest I have been sober in 20 years, the people who come here need the support of the people in charge and the rest of us as individuals.

"I lost a beautiful wife and three children through drinking, but have regained my self-respect at the Craft Factory and my story is typical.

"We don't know what to do yet, we are devastated, but we cannot sit still and allow this place to close."

Sharon Fairhurst, area manager for Turning Point, said: "It is a matter of funding, we had a government grant for the first three years and then some assistance from Bury social services, although we had to carry out some fund-raising as well.

"We now have enough money left for just one month and, unless we are successful in raising more funds through the open day we will be forced to close in January."

During his visit to the open day Col Timmins said that he had been impressed by the work carried out by the members and the atmosphere of hope in the building.

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