 Addicts are helped by Turning Point to overcome their drug use |
Plans to create a drug misuse support and rehabilitation centre in Kilmarnock have been rejected by the local authority after community objections. East Ayrshire Council threw out plans from Turning Point Scotland after it received 1,687 objections.
The reasons for refusing the application were the centre's location within a residential area and fears expressed by the local community.
Objections related to "fear of crime" and public health and safety concerns.
Council Leader Drew McIntyre said: "It is recognised that such a facility would deliver an important service to the community.
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"Nevertheless it was the location within a predominantly residential area, and the perceived concerns of local residents, which led to the conclusion that the application could not be supported."
Netta Maciver, chief executive of Turning Point Scotland, said she was "disappointed" by the council's decision.
She said: "It was thrown out because of a perception of fear.
"The service is about working with people who are stable.
"It appears to have been an orchestrated campaign.
"We have a responsibility to provide services. I don't want the perception of fear to follow us wherever we go.
"We want a central location, we don't believe it's good to hide drug services away."
Turning Point Scotland had bid the highest price for the property in Dundonald Road.
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