The centre will take recovering addicts off the streets

More than 2,500 people have signed a petition against the 26-bed centre set for a former hostel building on Holderness Road in east Hull.

Objectors say they are worried about the effects it would have on the area.

The charity behind the proposals, the Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust (Rapt), insists local concerns are unfounded.

Our aim is to work with people who have come from that area - we don't want to import problems Gail Jones, acting chief executive of Rapt

But Hull City Councillor Mike Kemp said the building had previously housed youths with drug problems.

He told BBC News Online: "When it was used before the crime rate was high.

"Since it closed the area has been regenerated and a community spirit has built up again - they [residents] are frightened it will be ruined.

"There's not a single person that is protesting against rehabilitation centres and everyone applauds the work they are doing - but not where they are doing it."

Residents only found out about the centre a few weeks ago and the community may have been more understanding if Rapt had been open about its plans, Mr Kemp believes

The charity did not have to go through planning officers at Hull City Council because the building already had permission for use as a hostel.

Community 'benefit'

Rapt acting chief executive Gail Jones said they were in the process of sending out information on the centre to concerned residents, though admitted it should have been done "a few weeks ago".

But she stressed the rehabilitation unit will be a benefit to the local community by taking recovering addicts away from temptation on the streets.

"Everybody is regularly tested and anyone using [drugs] is excluded from the programme," she said.

"We will be treating people from the local area who, if they weren't treated, would be out on the streets.

"Our aim is to work with people who have come from that area - we don't want to import problems," said Ms Jones.