RESIDENTS worried over plans for a ‘drug recovery village’ in a built-up area of Blackburn, are being invited to attend a public information day.

The centre, in the Ewood area of town, would be the biggest facility of its kind in East Lancashire, catering for hundreds of addicts a year.

The ‘village’ would be on a brownfield site which was, previously the Scotland Bank Mill, in Heys Lane. The potential developers, Cunningham Hart Investments, will be presenting the information and an exhibition of plans on Wednesday.

It is believed to consist of 24 detox units, 18 bedsits and 18 two-bedroom flats and also staff accomm-odation.

The main two storey building would also house a GP surgery, gym and also two retail units.

Ewood councillor Mau-reen Bateson is keen that people attend She said: “It’s important that as many people know about these plans as possible.

“So that when a planning application is made the, resident’s views can then be properly represented.”

When plans were first revealed by Blackburn with Darwen Council last year, community leaders and neighbours in the area said that the development was ‘totally unsuitable’ and was also ‘too large’ for the site.

Coun Bateson said there have been a lot of objections to the plans.

She added: “And as a local councillor, it’s important that I listen to what people want.”

Wednesday’s meeting will be at the Livesey Children’s and All Age Centre, from 9.30am to 6.30pm.

Representatives from Cunningham Hart and Ansell and Bailey, the architects behind the initial plans for the drug recovery ‘village, will also attend on Wednesday.