THE waiting list for drug addicts to get treatment in Gwent has been cleared in just three months, thanks to a pioneering new facility.

And police say the Kaleidoscope programme, which started late last year, has had a major impact on reducing drug related crime in the city centre.

Kaleidoscope's Martin Blakeborough said: "When we started we were given a waiting list from the Gwent health trust with over 130 people on it. All the people on that list have now been given treatment but there are still more people out there.

"We had hoped to get everyone treated by March but have achieved it well ahead of schedule which is good news.

"I think because people know they can get help, other people who were not on the list have come forward and we are now treating them." The scheme started in November and has treated hundreds of people from across Gwent.

Before the launching of the scheme, the waiting time for addicts to get treatment in Gwent was between a year and 18 months. Now with the Kaleidoscope they can be treated in a matter of weeks.

Newport's Chief Superintendent Kevin Price said: "The Kaleidoscope project is still very much in its embryonic stage but provides a vital part of the overall solution to drug problems in the community by providing treatment and support to those who recognise they have a problem."

Chief Superintendent Price added: "Operation Tinsel, which runs over the festive period, highlighted a reduction in the number of known addicts that were arrested for thefts and other property crimes year on year. The Kaleidoscope will grow in terms of its successes."

Newport West MP Paul Flynn said: "The previous system was a disgrace. I am sure that lives have been lost because of that.

"Kaleidoscope offers intelligent, practical work and it has made a huge difference and done a great job."

Gwent Kaleidoscope Project is based at St Paul's Church, Commercial Street, Newport. For more information, call 01633 211001, or visit the website www.kaleidoscopeproject.org.uk