A HELP group is to be set up to help tackle Whittlesey’s growing drink problem.

Those affected by alcohol misuse will be able to get advice, information and support from Addaction in the town on the first Monday of every month starting in April.

A “warm welcome and the opportunity of professional help” will be offered to people at no cost and without the need to fix a prior appointment in a bid to set people on the road to recovery for their drink problems.

“Alcoholism is becoming a problem in Whittlesey as well as in other Fenland towns but unfortunately our town has no obvious means of support for those directly or indirectly affected,” Whittlesey Town Councillor David Mason said.

He said he did not want “detract from the fine work that our medical staff carry out at New Queen Street Surgery and the Jenner Health Centre” but said: “Those that seek treatment often need to journey to Peterborough or Wisbech which can be a difficult experience and can ultimately result in poor attendance.

“It has been my concern for some time to try and provide a facility for those people who are misusing alcohol in Whittlesey to receive support.

“With the assistance of Wendy Clarke, team leader at Addaction in Wisbech, a solution may have appeared.”

People will be able to turn up at St Andrews Hall, Parkinsons Lane, Whittlesey between 2pm and 4pm.

A walk-in facility is still available at the Addaction Fenland alcohol service every Tuesday, between 4pm and 6pm, at the former council offices in Church Terrace, Wisbech.