A REHAB clinic that was due to open in Waterfoot has been delayed because of objections from furious residents and businesses.

Bosses at East Lancashire charity Inspire planned to open the abstinence unit on the site of Glen Valley Guest House in Bacup Road in July.

But a further consultation has been announced after a backlash from traders, who said their opinion was not sought.

Three drop-in sessions will be held in the town this month before a final public meeting which has been scheduled for August 20.

The house will be used by up to six adult former drug addicts as part of their integration back into mainstream society.

Chris Smith, a member of local traders’ and residents’ group Waterfoot Forward, said: “Any contact with Inspire so far hasn’t been particularly productive.

“As a body Waterfoot Forward has remained neutral on the issue to facilitate the discussions between the relevant parties.

“But every individual member has their own opinions.

“Inspire may well be a very good organisation but they have moved too quickly. The people of Waterfoot do not want to be bulldozed.”

Trader Marie Buckley, who runs the Curiosity Shop, said: “At least now the council and owners will be answerable to the public.

“We realise that there is no chance of stopping the unit from going ahead but these consultation meetings give us the opportunity to ask the questions.”

A planning application submitted to Rossendale Council to change the use of the site from a bed and breakfast into a ‘supported housing scheme’ was deferred until a later date at a meeting of the council’s development control committee on July 17.

At a meeting in Waterfoot Social Club last month, Waterfoot Forward invited representatives from Inspire and Rossendale Council, but no-one from Inspire attended.