A PRIEST who runs a drop-in centre for young drug users has launched a £20,000 appeal to move to a new site.

Father Jim McCartney - who has run St Annes Drop-In Centre in France Street, Blackburn, for the past four years - says that the current premises are too cramped to help up to 80 people each day.

Now, the charity organisation called THOMAS (Those On The Margins Of A Society), has launched the appeal to move to bigger premises at the new Centre Peace Complex in the the old Wesley Hall building.

The Catholic priest, who has helped many young addicts kick the habit, is hoping the new centre will be running by autumn.

He said: "The Path-Way Drop-In Centre will be a place where people in need can call in for a meal and shower, and receive help and advice."

But while Father Jim is helping more young drug addicts he does not believe the problem is escalating.

He added: "We are helping more people than four years ago. However, we have built up a relationship formed on trust over these past few years which has encouraged more people to come forward."

The priest, who has worked with drug offenders in Manchester, London and Newcastle, believes the charity has helped put Blackburn on the map through the magazine Edges - which is produced in the town and distributed nationwide.

Father Jim added: "The magazine has highlighted the problem here and the hard work we are doing. But if we want to help more people we need bigger premises - and we need all the financial help we can get."

He added: "It gives me so much joy to see a young person regain the desire to live again. That is what our work is all about."

Anyone who can make a donation to the appeal, not matter how small, should make cheques payable to THOMAS St Anne's House, France Street, Blackburn, BB2 1LX.

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