WILTSHIRE Council says it will take neighbours' concerns into consideration over proposals for a centre for drug and drink addicts near a school in Trowbridge.

The proposals are being brought forward by Bath-based homeless charity Julian House, which was awarded the contract to provide such a service in Wiltshire, funded by the council, earlier this year.

The charity is in the process of purchasing Elizabeth Lodge, a former care home for adults with learning and physical disabilities in Cedar Grove, to create a facility that can support lpeople with addiction problems.

But Elizabeth Lodge backs on to Clarendon Academy and at a public meeting held on Thursday at Wiltshire College, residents and parents of children at the school expressed concern about the location of the facility.

More than 90 people packed the meeting to voice their dismay at the plans.

A Wiltshire Council press release issued this afternoon reads: "Residents are being reassured that their opinions are of utmost importance and will be taken into consideration over proposals for an intensive supported housing project. 

"The project is a new opportunity for the Trowbridge area.  It came as a result of a Wiltshire Council-supported bid for capital from Public Health England for Julian House, a registered charity, which supports homeless people.

"The proposals would see the development of intensive supported housing for people with substance misuse problems. We are aware that there is a need for more support for people with complex needs in the local area and acquiring this additional resource for the local population has been widely supported.

"However the council is aware that for this project to be successful we have to balance the needs of the vulnerable homeless with the views and interests of the local community. We are confident with the support of local councillors we will be able to find a suitable facility."

It adds that a site for the centre has not yet been settled upon. "The process to find suitable premises for the project is currently ongoing, and contrary to recent publicity, Elizabeth Lodge in Trowbridge has not been determined as the location for the centre," it says.

"Julian House is looking at the viability of a range of properties and will present options to councillors and the community for discussion before a decision can be made and a consultation period commences."

John Isserlis, operations director at Julian House, is quoted in the release as saying: “It is our intention to provide a high quality service which is effectively managed. There would be high levels of staffing providing intensive levels of support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and we would not tolerate anti-social behaviour.

“We have listened to the concerns raised in the community and take them seriously. We are also heartened by the overwhelming view that the service itself is a positive step for Trowbridge.”