FORMER drug addicts and alcoholics are warning lives will be put at risk when a detox centre in Southampton closes today.

The Detox and Aftercare Centre, run by Two Saints Housing Association in Bourne Road, opened in 1989 and has helped thousands of men and women from all walks of life to turn their life around.

It is the only centre of its kind in Hampshire, but a lack of funding has forced its closure today with the loss of 18 jobs.

Two Saints chief executive Simon Mantle said closing the centre was one of the toughest decisions of his career.

The housing association amassed financed losses of £344,000 and the prospect of a further £165,000 bill made the project unsustainable.

The centre, which has five detox and ten drying out beds, ran into difficulties as a result of financial cutbacks by drug action teams, primary care trusts and social services.

"I had no choice but to recommend closure to the board,'' Mr Mantle said.

Regents Park Surgery in Shirley has provided the centre with daily medical care for the past seven years.

Recovered alcoholic Carol Bibby, 40, of Bitterne Park, said having detox medication and care was "a matter of life a death" for many.

She said: "It's an extremely sad day. I'm devastated and gutted."