WINCHESTER's drugs drop-in centre has moved from its temporary home to its permanent base.

Ruperts is now operating in the former vegetable shop in Bridge Street after a year at Durngate House.

The centre aims to tackle the city's chronic drugs problem through the rehabilitation of addicts who want to beat their addiction.

At its busiest it is helping up to 60 addicts a week.

Heroin has long been a problem but the even more addictive crack cocaine is said to be creeping into the city from Southampton and London.

The centre's managers will be hoping the initial opposition to the centre last year from residents and shops in Bridge Street and Water Lane can be overcome now the service is up and running.

Ruperts aims to fill the gap between the National Health Service and the Trinity Centre.

It offers acu-detox, a form of acupuncture that originates in Hong Kong and is helpful to people suffering withdrawal symptoms.

Other forms of acupuncture are offered and Ruperts also gives therapy, adult learning and training.

Vicky Thomas, project manager, said: "We have been here a week and it's great to be here. It has been very tastefully renovated and we are very happy. It has been worth waiting for.

"We have facilities we didn't have before like central heating and hot water. It is much better than Durngate House. We wanted to be somewhere nearer the High Street, with a shop front and more accessible.

"Since we opened last year we have had our share of successes, people who have sorted their lives out 100 per cent."

An official opening will take place next month.