Hundreds of people living near a proposed unit for mental health patients in north Wales have raised their concerns about the plan at a public meeting.

Residents heard details of the 40-bed plan for Gainsborough House in Abergele, which includes the building of a 10ft fence around the site.

We will completely lose the immunity of our garden - I won't be able to put my children out to play safely Local resident Dermot McGee

Despite reassurances from the firm behind the proposals, Ashbourne Healthcare Limited, local people insist they want the scheme dropped.

At the meeting on Sunday, company representatives told neighbours that the low-risk patients would pose no risk to the community and vowed to go ahead with the plan.

Ashbourne's chief executive Kent Phippen was bombarded with hostile questions from local people for almost two hours.

Residents fear that criminals with serious convictions will be treated at the centre, which would be based at the former Tan y Bryn old people's home.

Father-of-three Dermot McGee, whose garden backs on to the home in Ffordd-y-berth, said the effects would be devastating.

"There is no way anyone will want to buy our property now," he said.

"We will completely lose the immunity of our garden - I won't be able to put my children out to play safely.

"Our lives will be destroyed by it," he added.

Council decision

Mr Phippen said the anger of local people would not deter him.

He said the scheme would go ahead if Conwy council grants planning permission for the necessary 10ft high fence.

The company's chief executive addressed the meeting

The planning application for the fence and a conservatory at Gainsborough House - which does not require a change of use - is due before Conwy County Borough Council on 12 February.

The Tan-y-Bryn Nursing Home catered for elderly and mentally infirm patients until it closed a year ago.

More than 1,000 fliers were circulated around the village and hundreds of people have sent letters to the planning authority.

Alun Pugh, Clwyd West AM, who chaired the meeting, said the unit was "the number one issue in this part of north Wales".

"There are 300 letters on my desk about it," he added.

According to a leaked document obtained by BBC News Online, the unit would accommodate 40 beds.

Men - and possibly women in the future - with "severe and enduring mental health problems" would be cared for in a low-secure facility.

Between 60 and 80 members of staff would be needed and Gainsborough would promote independent living within a safe and secure environment, according to the document.