RESIDENTS in Blackwood were furious after councillors voted to put off debating a plan for a new drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.

The council wants to convert Highbury House, near Blackwood town centre, into a rehab centre for seven recovering addicts.

Around 1,500 people have signed a petition objecting to the proposals. They say they are concerned for their children's safety and insist the location is inappropriate.

Dozens turned up to a meeting last night hoping to change councillors' minds.

Councillors Kevin Etheridge and Graham Simmonds, who are supporting the residents, put in a recommendation to the council to halt the plans, intending to bring about a full debate.

But they were thwarted after Councillor Paul Jones, chairman of the community safety partnership, which is pushing the proposals forward, suggested the debate be deferred. He said he wanted a delay because a full, formal consultation would be underway next month.

Councillors voted 36 to 21 to defer the discussion. Officers are due to choose an organisation to provide both the consultation and the service itself, if the plans are approved, by the end of this month. Bids must be in by tomorrow.

After the meeting, furious residents hit out. Carol Morris, of Highbury Drive, in Blackwood, said: "In view of the number of people who came out showing their opposition, to not even give us the grace of discussing the issue is awful.

"They are treating us with disdain and only intensifying the way we feel." Teresa Cavell, also from Highbury Drive, said she thought the deferral was "appalling", adding: "It is a sad gagging of local voices."

Mrs Cavell added they were not against a drugs rehabilitation unit but said they were concerned about the possible impact on children and nearby schools.

Keith Smallman said: "It's disgusting, it's local politics at its most base. We are very positive we will win in the end. We will not give up."

Councillor Etheridge said: "I am very disappointed, as we wanted a full council discussion on the issue. It has only been deferred, however, so hopefully our motion will be discussed at a later meeting."