A SECOND group is bidding to turn a former care home into a centre for people with addiction problems.

Last September, hundreds of people campaigned against plans from charity Reto UK to turn The Woodlands site in Holly Trees Close, into a home for up to 40 men with drink and drug problems.

Due to the strength of public opinion, the application was dropped in October.

Now Oswaldtwistle-based The Station Project, run by Catherine Floyd, has applied to turn the building into a residential treatment centre for single mothers with drug and drink problems, along with their children.

The same group applied to open a rehabilitation centre at a former dental surgery in Sudell Road in November, but that was thrown out by the council before it reached the planning commitee.

David Kay, of Holly Trees Close, said he was 'outraged' by the latest proposal.

He said: “Once again our neighbourhood has been targeted as the proposed location of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.

“This is a low crime, quiet residential area.

"The new plans would see women housed for treatment, and also visiting on a day-care basis, both for a minimum of three months.”

In the application, Miss Floyd states that regular monitoring would take place, with reviews every six and 12 weeks.

There would also be a day care creche on site with professional nursery nurses.

A letter-drop detailing how to object to the proposal is planned, and Whitehall councillors David and Karimeh Foster have informed people living near The Woodlands.

Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “I have met with residents and helped them put together an objection letter that will be circulated in the area as I did with the last case.

"This is inappropriate for the area.”