Battle lines drawn as MP fights plans

Notts County Council is proposing to put NHS-run Drug and Alcohol Services out to tender.

Mr Mann described the proposals as a ‘disaster’ and feels it will lead to local services ultimately being dismantled and privatised.

But the council says it simply want to ensure the taxpayer is getting the best deal.

“We cannot afford to go back 10 years when we took on the menace of heroin in Worksop and the villages,” said Mr Mann.

“We had needles everywhere, people dying regularly and a significant number of addicts, none of them in treatment.”

“Though our GPs and police we have turned this around and it would be a disaster to undo this good work.”

“In my opinion, this move by the county council will lead to the privatisation of our local NHS services and I am calling on constituents in Bassetlaw to help save our GP-led drug and alcohol services.”

Chris Kenny, director of public health for Notts County and Nottingham City, said: “Our main interest is to provide the best possible outcomes for service users across the county.”

“The council is bound by law to procure public services through relevant channels, the main principle being the right level of service, best value for the public purse and the best outcomes for local people. No provider of service is exempt from these criteria.”

The first meeting for Mr Mann’s campaign is 7th September at 11am at The Crossing in Worksop. To join the campaign, or to find out more, email [email protected] or call 01909 506200.

People can also give their views to the council by visiting their website, calling 01623 433037, or emailing [email protected].