RESIDENTS are set to fight a drug users' support service being created in their community.

A 264-signature petition opposing plans to create a new centre for the East Lancashire Drug Service has been received by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The service wants to use part of St Ives House, Accrington Road, Blackburn, as an office, administrative base and support centre for clients.

Residents fear the creation of the centre in their community could lead to drug addicts and dealers congregating, posing a crime and safety risk to people.

Blackburn with Darwen's planning and highways committee is set to discuss the application after receiving the opposition.

The petition states that residents do not want the office to be used by the drugs service.

It has been compiled by the Whitebirk and Intack Residents' Association, whose chairman is Jacqueline McGrew.

She said: "We are worried about what sort of people will be coming to use the centre. It really isn't appropriate

for a residential area like this.

"Surely there are much more suitable places for a centre like this, including Queens Park Hospital, or even the units on the Philips Road estate."

According to the planning application submitted by East Lancashire Drugs Service, the centre would be used as an office and administration base and a client support centre.

The service is part of the Communicare NHS Trust, and the centre would serve people in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley. Mrs McGrew added: "We are all very concerned about crime in this area and are hoping that the councillors will all sit up and take notice of the number of signatures we have collected.

"We aren't opposed to rehabilitation, but this is not a suitable place.

"In practical terms, there aren't enough places to park, especially with people coming from across the area."

The East Lancashire Drugs Service, currently in Penny Street, has admitted some clients will be seen on-site.

David Jackson, the centre's service manager, said: "We are expanding our services all the time and need to look for new premises. This will not be a rehabilitation centre, although we will be seeing some clients. It will basically be a base for staff."

The report to Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning and highways committee asks members to note the petition.