HEALTH bosses have announced a new location has been found for a controversial drugs and alcohol rehabilitation centre - but are remaining tightlipped about its exact whereabouts.

NHS East Lancashire revealed the location for the new centre had been found in Accrington but it would not directly affect residents.

Residents and councillors won a victory in November last year when the NHS trust dropped plans to create a drugs and alcohol abuse centre at the Peel Centre, a former GP surgery in Avenue Parade, Accrington.

More than 2,000 people had signed a petition over fears the their families would be put at risk by the unit.

Avenue Parade is in one of Hyndburn's most highly-populated areas.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “The NHS should come clean and just tell people what they are planning. Everyone in the borough will be nervous that the centre will be built near them.

“We all know that there is a need for these facilities but it must be in a suitable location.”

Val Robertson, NHS East Lancashire corporate affairs director, said: "We have identified a property that we are looking at for this treatment centre and we are awaiting a decision now from Hyndburn council.

"We have had a letter of general support from the council, subject to the normal planning requirements for a change of use.

"We have had a letter also from the council about what we do need to do to fulfill the planning expectations. It will need a formal planning application."

Non-executive director Ian Clements asked at a public board meeting: "It is not likely to incur the same problems as the previous substance misuse centre is it?"

He was told by finance director Chris Dixon: "It does not have any direct residents living nearby, without giving away where it is."