RESIDENTS are celebrating after plans to turn a former nursing home into a drink and drugs rehabilitation centre were dropped.

A petition was signed by 256 people objecting to plans to turn The Woodlands, in Holly Tree Close, Darwen, into a unit for up to 10 dependant mothers and their children.

Residents feared it would increase crime, pose a threat to Whitehall Park users’ safety and increase traffic.Yesterday Catherine Floyd, of The Station Project, which is behind the plans, said she had 'pulled out of the deal'.

The 15-bedroom Grade Two listed property, which is becoming dilapidated, is owned by an elderly Darwen woman. It is now for sale with Keenans estate agents in Accrington for £450,000.

Whitehall councillor Karimeh Foster, who opposed to the plans, said: “I’m very happy at the news, I think it’s a relief for the residents.

“As councillors and Whitehall residents, we tried to work with the rehab group, but it wasn’t very easy.

“I think this outcome is better for all of us, and hopefully the house will now be turned into flats.

“I think that is the best use for it, though there are still problems with there being a narrow entrance.”

A year ago Blackburn with Darwen councillors narrowly rejected the application to transform The Woodlands into the facility by eight votes to seven. But after an appeal by Mrs Floyd, the Planning Inspectorate overturned that decision.

Speaking at the time, she said: “It is extremely important that there are facilities in this area because Blackburn with Darwen has a large number of people with drug problems.

“If there was no problem there would be no need to open these sorts of facilities.

“I want to ask people to give the centre a chance because it will be providing a vital service to the community.”