PLANS to open a new centre for people with drug and alcohol problems in Accrington town centre have been ditched.

A building in Abbey Street had been chosen to house the proposed treatment centre, which would have included a needle exchange; and planning permission had been granted.

But it is thought plans were dropped following objections about the town centre site from Hyndburn councillors.

Council leader, Coun Peter Britcliffe, said: "I am delighted that it is not going ahead in that position. There should be opportunities for this to happen, but I am not convinced the town centre is the place at a time when we are trying to regenerate it."

An audit by the Lancashire Drugs Action Team, made up of police, council and health officials, revealed a shortage of places people could turn to for help.

The team was working with the community safety team, and Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust, on plans for the new centre. It is believed talks are now taking place to find an alternative site. No one from these organisations was available for comment.

But Labour councillors are annoyed the plans have been withdrawn.

Labour Group leader, Coun David Myles, said: "We have a new medical centre on the way and I understand that the drug facilities will move there once it is open, so Abbey Street was only meant to be a temporary measure."

Coun Jean Battle added: "We need to put services in to help people come off drugs, and to give them the opportunity to exchange needles in a safe place."

David Foster, deputy manager of the charity Maundy Relief, said he was concerned it would lead to a delay in getting much-needed drug and alcohol treatment facilities in the borough.