A new service will be launched in Worthing to speed up the treatment of heroin and cocaine addicts.

Experts say the project, which could be up and running by July, is badly needed and could help cut crime.

Details were unveiled at a meeting of West Sussex County Council's social and caring services select committee, which was reviewing a new set of proposals by the county's Drug Action Team.

It is expecting to get Government money, estimated at £439,000, for new treatment schemes as part of a national strategy that aims to double the number of drug users in treatment by 2008.

The county's social services chief, John Dixon, said: "For West Sussex, this 100 per cent increase will require that the number of problem users in treatment will be in the region of 750 by 2008."

The campaign, which will include the new Worthing information, advice and assessment service, will be aimed at heroin and cocaine addicts.

Select committee chairman councillor Morwen Millson welcomed the scheme but said it still hinged on extra Government money.

She said: "The Worthing scheme is based on the projected funding.

"If it comes through, we have been told the Worthing service could be in operation by July because we have already built good links with the town's voluntary sector.

"It will have enormous benefits for the NHS because the cost of dealing with drug addiction is rising. It will also help reduce crime, which is a big issue for everyone in the county."