A NEW Andover centre for former drug addicts has been given the thumbs up by Test Valley Borough Councillors.

Recovering addicts will receive counselling by appointment at the Crime Reduction Initiatives (CRI) centre two days a week.

The centre was described to members of the Northern Area Planning Committee as tier three rehabilitation for addicts who receive a drug treatment order as part of a criminal sentence.

Despite protests from nearby residents, committee members voted 14 to three in favour of the centre at 48 East Street, Andover.

Simon Bowkett, CRI area manager, said: "Our approach is conservative and discreet.

"We haven't had any problems with neighbours before and anyone who doesn't attend faces a custodial sentence."

Rack Close residents submitted two letters of complaint to Test Valley Borough Council's planning committee, saying they experienced problems when the same site was used as a Dolphin drop in centre.

A Rack Close resident, who asked not to be named, said she would prefer not to have a drug rehabilitation centre just 16 metres from her doorstep.

"I agree that the centre has to go somewhere, but I just hope it's not like how it was before when they broke into a shed round the back and used it as a urinal."

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