RESIDENTS worries about a proposed halfway house for mental health patients in their neighbourhood are to be raised with borough planners.

Wensley Fold ward councillor Quesir Mahmood met with 20 constituents last week to discuss their concerns over the scheme for Oakfield House, a vacant solicitors’ office in Preston New Road Blackburn.

They are worried about the suitability of the building for the secure rehab unit for 30 patients coming out of psychiatric hospital care proposed by ASC Healthcare.

Cllr Mahmood said: “I met with the residents and listened to their genuine concerns about whether this is an appropriate location.

“I shall be arranging a meeting with Blackburn with Darwen Council planning officials and asking them to contact the applicant and seek reassurances about the suitability of the proposal.

“If these do not allay the residents concerns, I shall be asking for this proposal to go before the full borough planning committee.”