BOSSES at a controversial psychiatric unit have been accused of putting local families at risk with plans for an 18-bed extension.

Managers at Kemple View, Langho, have unveiled plans to construct a new 18-bed unit at the edge of the Rydings housing estate.

It will house patients detained under the Mental Health Act and replace proposals for a 16-bed unit, for which the hospital already has planning consent.

Residents aired their concerns at a packed public meeting in Langho Social Club last night, attended by representatives of Ribble Valley Council, Kemple View, the National Care Standards Commission and the police.

Kemple View is a private unit which houses patients who are referred under the Mental Health Act and by the courts for treatment to stabilise and rehabilitate them back into society where possible.

It is not classed as a high or medium secure unit, but security measures include restricted-opening windows, double-entry doors that are locked and alarmed, perimeter fencing and CCTV.

Three people have escaped in the past three years, although one of those patients fled on a day trip.

Near-by resident Philip Gunn told the meeting: "When most of us moved here, this unit was a home for the elderly. Now it is a psychiatric facility for potentially dangerous people, who are free to roam in the grounds.

"The patients are so close to our houses that we can already hear music from their rooms and now we are faced with a further 18 beds."

David Fearnley-Brown said hospital managers had promised in the past that the unit would not house more than 64 beds, but the proposed extension would bring the tally up to 108.

He said: "We can't trust the hospital managers. We are being put at risk, because patients are free to roam and at liberty to abscond."

Ann Bolton added: "People have absconded and the first we know about it is from the police and press. We want to know exactly who is in the unit and if we are being put at risk." Kemple View director Peter Handy said: "We acknowledge the concerns of our neighbours and have put considerable effort into the consultation process.

"We regularly meet a liaison group of residents, which has been invaluable."

Ribble Valley Council leader Chris Holtom added: "This site has had a very chequered history and, whether we like it or not, the only organisation that has made a success of it is Partnerships in Care, which runs Kemple View.

"Nevertheless, as an authority we are very aware of security and safety issues, and the application will be judged purely on planning grounds."

Recent absconders have included John Hill, 30, who was sent to the unit after being convicted of making threats to kill.

He escaped in August and returned after 24 hours, although police had warned he was dangerous and advised the public not to approach him.

The application is due to be considered by the council on October 30.