A MAN behind plans to convert a hotel into a home for people with mental health issues said he is “flabbergasted” at not being invited to a meeting about the plans.

Bill Pearse is one of the owners of the Bear Hotel, Bolton Road, Blackburn and wants it to become a residential home for people with “medium to high mental need”.

A number of residents have opposed the plans after an anonymous letter sparked fears about crime and anti-social behaviour.

Last week Tory ward councillor John Slater called a public meeting to debate the plans, but Mr Pearse said he had been snubbed.

He said: “I wasn’t invited and didn’t know about it until the actual day. I was flabbergasted.

"How can you organise a meeting about what’s happening when all you’ve got to go on is some anonymous letter?”

Coun Slater said: “I didn’t exclude anyone.

"If he had wanted to come as a resident he could have.”