'Ludicrous' plans for needle exchange opposite Cannock college thrown out

The bid to turn the former progressive working men's club into a drug and alcohol service was refused by planning bosses after fierce objections by South Staffordshire College.

Cannock Council's planning committee did however approve a separate application to open a rehabilitation house at the back of the college. Numbers 91-93 High Green will now be turned into a 12-bed supported house for recovering addicts and the former Bistro 95 will be opened as a tea room run by them.

But the first application to turn the former working men's club on the corner of Cannock Shopping Centre into a drug and alcohol service was unanimously rejected.

The application was submitted by Addiction Dependency Solutions to provide a medical prescribing centre and needle exchange.

Councillor Margaret Freeman voted against the plans and said: "It is the most ludicrous and wholly inappropriate place I have ever come across for a needle exchange service."

Councillor Michael Grocott agreed and said: "While I have every respect for the service, it is not the right location. It would jeopardise the safety of bus users and the college."

Trudie McGuiness, director of learning at South Staffordshire College, said having a drug service directly opposite the entrance to the college would intimidate students.

"It would be very distressing for our young learners and it would undoubtedly put people off coming into the college. We genuinely fear it would impact on our recruitment and the overall future and survival of the college." she said.

The second application by Burton Addiction Centre to open a bedsit for recovering drug addicts was given the go ahead despite more than 40 letters of objection.

Cannock businessman, Mark Francis objected to the plans and said: "It will increase crime and will blight the area. It will have an immediate impact on landlords. We do not want this on our doorstep. Addicts relapse and this will cause a problem in the town centre."

Councillor Paul Snape agreed and said: "It is an emotive subject and we need the service but not in the main town centre. Addicts steal to fund their habit and they could hurt our children. It is too close to schools and the town centre."

Lynne Hargreaves from Manor Avenue was angry the plans were approved and said: "It is too close to temptation. It is the wrong place and too close to vulnerable people."

However Noreen Oliver CEO of Burton Addiction Centre, said the residents will have completed an intensive 14 week programme and will have strict rules.

"They are all risked assessed and are drug and alcohol free. All residents will be from the Cannock area. Cannock has a high drug problem and the facility will allow residents to get off drugs completely, rather than substituting it. It will re-integrate them back into the community," she said.

Council leader George Adamson said: "I think it is the right decision. I have been to the centre in Burton and I was very impressed with the work they do, to help get people back on the straight and narrow.

"The centre will be for people from this area and there is a need for it. The opening of the tea room will be good for the town too."

Numbers 91-93 High Green has been derelict for many years, with Bistro95 going into administration in July after trading for just two years.

It is expected the semi independent house and tea room will be open by the summer.