A RESIDENT who could soon be living next door to a controversial drug rehabilitation hostel in Ulverston is "dismayed" and upset the scheme has been backed by councillors despite numerous objections.

South Lakeland District Council rubber-stamped plans last week to convert a house on Benson Street to house six recovering drug and alcohol addicts.

In November, when neighbours first heard about plans by the charity, Turning Point, they launched a campaign to oppose the project, as they were concerned it would put the safety of their children in jeopardy. A petition and letters of objection were sent to SLDC's cabinet but members still agreed to contribute £105,000 towards the scheme.

At a meeting of Ulverston Town Council on Monday, resident John McGee slammed the decision to go ahead with the scheme.

Mr McGee said: "The residents did not want the hostel and some members of Ulverston Town Council asked the housing association to look for a more suitable place for it.

"I would like councillors to tell me how I am going to sell my property now or in the near future. Do councillors have any ideas how having a hostel next door will affect the selling price of my house?"

Coun Bob Bolton, who voted in favour of the hostel going ahead at SLDC's cabinet meeting, said: "I don't think anyone can say what effect it will have."

Mr McGee said: "There are four individuals in my house and three in the house next door. None of our needs are being met, as we do not want the hostel.

"My only concerns are for my children and what I am going to leave them. I don't think my children should suffer because of a social experiment next door."

January 16, 2003 16:30