A homeless drop in centre has been temporarily closed following concerns over safety.

Drug use and aggressive behaviour on site have caused problems for staff and volunteers, the M.E.N understands.

The evening service has now been suspended while charity bosses work to ensure the safety of everyone at the city centre site.

New training will be carried out so that those working with some of the most vulnerable are best equipped to help them.

The Oldham Street service, which is run jointly by charities Coffee 4 Craig and Centrepoint, is expected to reopen in December.

One volunteer said it is feared that needy people have been ‘put off’ from attending the specialist service because of drug dealers ‘taking advantage’ of the vulnerable and acting aggressively on site.

Problems have occurred in the entrance, reception and dining area of the building, they said.

Another volunteer added: “The temporary closure is a short term loss for a long term gain.”

A Centrepoint spokesperson said the charity is not considering hiring security staff at this stage. They said the service will continue on a ‘drop-in’ basis when it reopens and those with substance abuse issues will be signposted to the best possible services to help them.

They added: “The instance of drug usage and dealing did not take place on-site but was outside of the building, not on our site and thus not within our control. Staff moved people away from the front of the building and the police were informed.”

In a joint statement Coffee 4 Craig and Centrepoint said the drop-in service, which is funded by Manchester City Council, has seen a high volume of demand, ‘particularly from people with complex needs’.

They said: “Centrepoint and Coffee4Craig have decided to review the service to make sure all clients receive the support that they need and that all staff and volunteers are able to work in a safe environment.

“In order to do this effectively, we have decided to temporarily suspend the service, with the aim of re-opening by the end of November. Both organisations remain committed to supporting homeless people in Manchester and are confident that the review will improve support for service users, volunteers and staff.”

The seven day a week service for homeless people of all ages opened at Centrepoint’s site at 52 Oldham Street in September. It is intended to help the most vulnerable in society by providing them with a hot meal as well as shower, washing and recreation facilities.