A NEW city-wide alcohol and drug service will be introduced in Brighton and Hove, despite union protests.

Brighton and Hove City Council has awarded Pavilions Partnerships a contract to deliver the new drug recovery service.

Pavilions is a partnership of organisations led by Cranstoun, a charity with more than 45 years’ experience of delivering specialist alcohol and drug treatment At a fiery meeting last month, union members fiercely opposed the plans to take the service out of the hands of the NHS.

Dr Tom Scanlon, director of public health at the council, said: “We’re looking forward to working with Pavilions Partnership. The partnership combines NHS and 3rd Sector care, and includes many established local agencies that have a long track record of working in Brighton and Hove.

“The partnership will bring a new approach with a much greater focus on complete recovery from substance misuse.”

The new service will start on April 1 next year and Pavilions will seek the views and involvement of Brighton and Hove residents on its services.

Steve Rossell, chief executive of Cranstoun, said: “Pavilions has been designed with the specific needs of the city in mind and will seek to have service users at the centre of what we do and the wider community alongside us in our ambition to develop genuine recovery across the city.

“Through partnership, innovation and building on what works we seek to have a real impact on the lives of individuals and communities affected by alcohol and drugs.”