A CHARITY which helps people to beat their addictions has been given a municipal boost. It came from Alan Bardett who stepped down last Thursday as chairman of North Herts District Council. Cllr Bardett, who represents Knebworth, has donated £4,100 to Ste

A CHARITY which helps people to beat their addictions has been given a municipal boost.

It came from Alan Bardett who stepped down last Thursday as chairman of North Herts District Council.

Cllr Bardett, who represents Knebworth, has donated £4,100 to Stevenage-based The Living Room which offers a wide range of free addiction treatment services in the North Herts area.

The money was raised through his civic service at St Martin's Church, Knebworth, in November; his civic reception in February at Letchworth Hall Hotel and a charity race in March at Knebworth Village Hall.

Cllr Bardett said: "I chose The Living Room as my charity for the year because it has an excellent track record, fills a much-needed social gap and is local."

Simon Bloomfield, funding and development manager at The Living Room, said: "We have been delighted and privileged to receive so much fundraising support from North Herts District Council for our work in 2007.

"We would like to thank all those involved in assisting us, particularly Alan Bardett. The £4,100 raised will help support our vital work in reducing addiction for the many clients attending our service from North Hertfordshire and our support for their families."

l Cllr Allison Ashley has taken over as chairman of the council.