DRUG REHAB CENTRE PROTEST

About 200 protestors gathered as a show of force to a government
planning inspector who arrived in Chorley today for the next step into
an appeal into plans for a drugs and drinks rehab unit.

Inward House want to open the unit at the former Withnell House - now
renamed Astley Hall - in Withnell.

The plans were rejected by Chorley Borough Council's development
control committee and Inward House have appealed against the decision.

But the protest group, The Friends of Withnell House, argue that the
proposal is inappropriate for the village.

They fear a range of problems such as disturbances from rehab users
and claim the area does not have the infrastructure for such a unit.

The planning inspector Ruth MacKenzie, who will decide on the outcome
of the appeal, said: "The purpose of this morning is for me to look at
the house and the area so I can see myself what the area's like."

She said she had a "great stack of letters, not all objecting, but I
would say the majority."

She added: "I cannot hear arguments for or against he proposals today.
It is purely a look and see exercise for me."