Oct23 Free golf for junkies

Drug addicts are being offered rounds of golf at the taxpayers’ expense under a drugs rehabilitation programme.

Rather than scoring for heroin and crack cocaine, drug users are now scoring impressive rounds on the greens after being kitted out with free shoes, gloves and clubs through the Drugs Intervention Programme (DIP).

Opponents have dubbed the move as “barking mad” and said the cash should be spent elsewhere, according to a report in the Hartlepool Mail.

Under the scheme, which was piloted by the Government in Hartlepool in 2005, the town’s worst drug offenders are targeted to get drug treatment and guidance from re-offending.

Since the scheme was launched, there has been a significant fall in crime with the number of offences such as theft, robbery and burglary dropping by 27 per cent among those on the scheme.

It has emerged that more than half of the 50 people referred to the scheme are being encouraged to rebuild their lives through sport, and while many enjoy gym work, football or badminton, the most popular activity has been golf, with 90 per cent of offenders indicating they would like to take up the sport.

The DIP Partnership bought two sets of golf clubs and other equipment after coming to an agreement with Hartlepool Power Station to use the nine-hole course at the Tees Road plant.

The funding for the project comes from the Tees Valley County Sport Partnership, which provides £2,000 a year, with the remaining money coming from the DIP, which itself is backed by Home Office cash.

Alison Mawson, head of community safety and prevention for Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The DIP programme is Government funded, and the main aim is to get drug users fairly rapid access into treatment.

“As they eventually respond to treatment, we are encouraged to provide them with access to other things, such as training courses which could lead to employment, or into sport or leisure activities.

“For small amounts of money, we are investing in the lives of people and helping them to hopefully get back on track and give them an opportunity to contribute to society.

“The reduction in crime since the scheme started has been marvellous, and I think if you look at the money we are laying out compared to the drop in offences then there is value for money in what we are doing.”

But Coun Victor Tumilty, who represents the Grange ward on Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We are catering for people who have drug problems brought on by themselves.

“We have youngsters in the town who can’t afford these activities and they are being penalised. I think it’s all wrong.”

And Greatham councillor Geoff Lilley described the new scheme as “barking mad”.