PLANS to convert a former bank in Nelson town centre into a drug and alcohol misuse centre with a needle exchange will be discussed by councillors tonight.
Traders have protested against voluntary body CRI’s plans to create the centre in the former Halifax Bank premises in Manchester Road.
They fear it will attract the ‘wrong kind’ of people into the area and believe it should be outside the town centre.
But Pendle Council’s planning officers recommend the proposals are approved.
The proposals include a needle exchange service, specialised prescribing, structured day care programmes, clinical support and counselling.
If the plans are approved the centre would open between 9am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 1.30pm on Saturdays.
Access to the needle exchange unit would be from the rear of the building.
The facility is funded by the East Lancashire Primary Care Trust and commissioned by the area’s drug and alcohol abuse team.
Pendle Council’s Nelson Committee will meet at the Town Hall at 7pm.
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