Residents outraged at drug clinic move for post office

Addiction Dependency Solutions wants to open the clinic in the town centre's former post office.

A similar plan for a clinic for the firm, destined for the former progressive working men's club, was thrown out earlier this year.

Already, angry comments have been posted online over the newly submitted plans, including more than 1,000 on a community page on Facebook.

Now mother-of-three Charlie Morys has set up a petition in a bid to stop the move.

She said: "I am not against rehabilitation for anyone who wants it, I do, however, feel that the location is not right for the people who need the service, nor right for the public."

The 30-year-old added: "Cannock does have issues with anti-social behaviour and this service could make the behaviour worse,which then has an impact on other members of the public.

"There are also already services of this kind running from chemists. I feel that the people who need to use the services won't, due to its location for fear of being seen going into the building regardless if it is day or night.

"I do think that if these services are needed then put them in the hospital which is only a few minutes walk from the town centre itself."

Resident Marie Bidulp, 35, from Hednesford warned the centre could damage the town.

She said: "Encouraging drug users to bring dirty needles into our town centre is beyond belief. What if one was dropped and a child picked it up?

"To bring this service to our high street appears to make being a drug user acceptable. I don't want my children growing up thinking that society accepts drug takers and their anti-social behaviours.

"This service is already offered on the outskirts of Cannock and that's where it should remain.

"The council should be concentrating on reviving the town centre, attracting quality brands and lowering business rates not hammering another nail into the coffin."

Chris Judge, service delivery director at ADS defended the plans and said the service needs to be 'as central as possible' to help those with addictions.

Around a dozen official objections have so far been submitted to planning bosses at the council.

Cannock Chase Council leader George Adamson said: "It needs to be located somewhere that users can get to, somewhere accessible."

If the plans are approved, the One Recovery Staffordshire Service would be open five days a week for people aged over 19, with substance misuse problems. A decision is due in the new year.