service, it has been claimed.

Michelle Johnson, director of Teen Services, responded to claims that the new Teen Haven was behind schedule by saying that she had never fixed a deadline on when it would be finished.

She said some people involved in the Government-funded agency had hoped to see it completed by the end of June, but meeting a deadline had never been her goal.

Mrs. Johnson said: "I never put a deadline on it. I'm more interested in having an improved and successful programme in place, and in ensuring that everybody is OK, and everything is in place, rather than having something open when gaps are not filled and proper staffing is not in place.

"What I will say is that we are getting there. There have been a few hitches here and there, but nothing major.

"We are now putting the final touches to the programmes to ensure that it is enhanced on what it used to be.

"It is taking a little longer than anticipated, but we want everything ironed out before we move in.

"We are still a few weeks away from the end of June, anyway.'' When Teen Haven opens on Happy Valley Road, Pembroke, it will house ten young mothers and their babies, as well as a live-in matron.

Facilities include bedroom suites, a kitchen and laundry area, administration office, and dining and living rooms.

While the property belongs to Haven Trust, the programme will be run by Teen Services.

Mrs. Johnson said those people that were re-located from the old building on Berkeley Road have been placed in suitable alternative accommodation.

And she said the one or two mothers in temporary accommodation will be moved in to Teen Haven first.

She added: "We are filling in the gaps and arranging the programmes, and then we will be moving in.

"The result should be better programmes and an improved service.''