A CAMPAIGN against a planned drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Blackwood is gathering momentum.

More than 1,000 residents in the town have signed a petition calling for plans for the centre, which would house up to seven recovering addicts, to be scrapped, saying they fear for local children's safety.

Residents living close to the proposed site at Highbury House, near Garfield Street, say the location is inappropriate.

They have submitted the 1,047-signature petition to Caerphilly council, and a copy is being sent to First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

Grandmother Pat Lambeth, whose nine-year-old grand-daughter Ellie uses the playground every day, has written an open letter about her concerns to Caerphilly council.

Mrs Lambeth, of Garfield Road, wrote: "While I have every sympathy and agree with supporting those people who want help to overcome an addiction, I am concerned about the chosen location.

"It is only about 300 yards from a primary school, it adjoins a playing field and sports field, it is less than 20 yards from a children's playground and several local schools use the sports field for their sports days.

"We are given to understand that residents of Highbury House will have been through detox and have 24-hour supervision.

"However we believe that relapses are inevitable and are very concerned that our children should be subjected to the sight of inappropriate behaviour or worse."

Ellie's mother, Lisa Lambeth Jones, added: "I am not happy about it at all. Ellie goes to the playground with another girl and she is feeling quite frightened."

A spokesman for Caerphilly council said the centre will be for people who have already been treated for substance misuse and are moving towards independent living.

"It should be emphasised that it is not a drugs drop in centre. A full consultation will take place with residents and relevant organisations before any decision is taken on the matter," he said.

Highbury House was bought by Charter Housing Association last year.

They identifed the site as meeting all the criteria necessary for the project and a zero tolerance approach to addicts who lapse is promised.

The proposals are at the planning and consultation stage but the project will also need planning permission.