The chairwoman of women's drug rehab centre Fairhavens has denied rumours it is closing - but Suzie Pewter said its future was in the balance.

The 18-bed unit in Verdmont Road, Smith's closed at the end of last year but was re-opened for a three-month period after a storm of controversy.

Mrs. Pewter said: "There is an absolute need for a women's treatment facility on the island. It is not our intention to close it. It was never our intention to close it but we can't do it by ourselves."

She said in order for it to remain open after March 31 Government and the National Drugs Commission would have to give backing. Keys to survival are a proper treatment programme, professional staff and financial backing, she said.

She was encouraged that new NDC chairman the Rev. Andrew Doughty was seeking a meeting next week.