Street drinkers 'need a house'

The house, converted from an ordinary home, would be an area where street drinkers could go and drink alcohol under supervised conditions.

The aim of the scheme is to stop people congregating and drinking in public areas, such as Gilligan's Island, near the central police station.

The wet house would be run by Newport Action for Single Homeless.

Director Richard Frame said: "It is something we have wanted to do for sometime, as there is an obvious need for this sort of thing. We are looking for a suitable building."

Inspector Eddie Mayne, of Newport police, believes the scheme is a good idea.

He said: "I have visited a wet house in Cardiff and I was very impressed.

"I was informed that it causes no problems for the local community and it is very strictly run.

"They try to get them to gradually reduce the quantity of alcohol they consume and try and get their life back.

"In Newport we are constantly speaking to street drinkers and where necessary arresting them.

"However, because of the powers of the court, within 24 hours they are back out again and back on the same treadmill."

He added that in the Cardiff wet house the people had access to health officials and social workers in a bid to integrate them back into society.

"In the long term it is not something the police can lead on. It is a real problem and we have got to work together to try and resolve it."

No firm site has at yet been identified for the house.

Earlier this year George Street Furnishers came up with the cash to help save NASH's night shelter, after an impassioned Argus plea.

NASH was forced to close its Maindee night shelter only months after its launch because of a funding crisis.

The story was splashed by the Argus and within hours the National Assembly had pledged an investigation into the plight of rough sleepers in Newport.

George Street Furnishers - a near-neighbour of NASH, which is based in Newport's Lower Dock Street, stumped up £10,000.