A DROP-IN centre for the disadvantaged in Winchester could soon be on the move to a new location nearer the city centre.

Bosses at The Trinity Centre in St Paul's Hill say a move has been prompted by a need to increase medical and educational facilities.

One location being considered for a new centre, which offers support and advice to people with problems including drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness or mental health, is the vacant Durngate building close to North Walls police station.

The organisation's current home could be turned into flats if the move goes ahead. Andover-based social housing company TestWay Housing last week put fliers through the doors of people living near the St Paul's Hill site inviting them to a meeting at the Trinity Centre tomorrow to discuss the matter.

The move would have to be cleared by Win-chester City Council which owns the Durngate site. Council chiefs are due to meet behind closed doors later this week to debate the issue.

A spokesman for the centre said: "The problem is that our current premises are inadequate for the services we want to offer. We are keen to improve the educational and medical facilities we offer, and need a more modern and better suited building from which to operate."

People living close to the Durngate site have greeted the potential move with mixed feelings, though most said they felt the site was largely suitable.

Jim Yeoman, landlord of the nearby Willow Tree pub, said: "If I had my choice it probably wouldn't go there, but that's not to say I don't think there is a need for a centre like the Trinity in the heart of the city."

John Harding, 63, from St John's Street, said: "Every city where there is a problem with addiction or homelessness should have a centre where people can receive appropriate support and advice. We have to deal with problems locally and places like the Trinity Centre should be supported. It's about prevention and protection and I have no problem with the centre moving to Durngate."

Tracy Leader, 30, a mum from Wales Street added: "I can't see the centre causing problems. If people need help they should be able to get it, and a more central location in this case seems appropriate."