A CAMPAIGN has been launched by residents looking to block plans to turn an historic Burnley hotel into a private care for teenagers with behavioural problems.

Neighbours of Dr Saleem Khan’s venture, at the former Alexander Hotel, in Leven Street, say there has been no consultation over the controversial transformation.

And residents attending a packed public meeting, at Burnley Wood’s Terracefield Centre, have resolved to fight the Cheshire-based doctor every inch of the way.

Dr Khan wants to look after seven to eight children aged between 13 and 18 at the converted hotel.

But people living nearby have raised serious concerns about the extent of the problems faced by the potential clients and have collected a 150-signature petition.

Dawn Turner, of Todmorden Road, said: “As far as we are aware it will change from being a hotel to house those with mental and behavioural problems.

“They say children but it is really young adults from the age of 13 to 18 and a lot of people are concerned.”

Residents are particualrly concerned about the access to the premises, for the 15 staff proposed along an unadopted roads.

And the future of tenancies for the three cottages, within the hotel grounds and currently privately-rented, remains unclear.

Coun Karen Heseltine said: “If he wants to open something like this then why does he not open one in Cheshire, instead of coming to Burnley?”

Coun Jeff Sumner told the meeting that he would organise a petition and seek a meeting with Dr Khan over neighbours’ concerns.

The premises closed as a hotel in 2009 and was briefly relaunched as Fiery Jacks, an American-style diner. It has also briefly been home to Embrace, an international exchange company. The objections must be lodged by January 24.