The centre, which has catered for nearly 150 people in the last 18 months, allows those brought in by police or shelter staff to sober up before being let back onto the streets.
The Shelter Trust estimate that the drunk and incapable unit, based at Aztec House, in Kensington Place, has already saved a full week of court time because those brought to the centre are not arrested or convicted.
The unit has been commended by both the police and probation service in a report by assistant chief probation officer Mike Cutland.
‘The DIU continues to provide a caring and professional service which treats users with dignity in surroundings that are clean and well presented, he said.’The contribution the unit makes to saving court time is important to recognise,’ said Mr Cutland.
