11:33am Tuesday 16th March 2010
Planning bosses have given the go-ahead for a drug addicts centre in Clitheroe.
More than 140 people signed a petition against the centre for drug and alcohol misuse in the residential area of York Street close to a nursery and a school.
But voluntary organisation CRI was given the green light by Ribble Valley Borough Council to convert a former office block into the centre, which will house the East Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Team.
The site, which will cater for more than 20 clients a day, will offer a range of support services to alcoholics, offenders serving community sentences and homeless people.
Coun Simon Farnsworth raised concerns about the centre’s location opposite Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth Form Centre and the Rossendale Nursery.
The planning committee was divided about the application with the chairman, Richard Sherras, having to cast the deciding vote.
On Thursday, an application by CRI for a drug and alcohol misuse centre in Nelson town centre will be decided.
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