One year on since rehab centre was proposed

Protests were launched by business owners in Belmont Road, councillors, and a nearby school, but they were unsuccessful in getting the application rejected.

Now one year on, fears of regular police calls and increased break ins around the area have proved unfounded, and the PCT are hoping to increase their one year planning permission to a further three years.

Den Ponton, who runs Dens News, next to the centre and helped run a petition against it from his shop agreed the centre had been successful.

He said: "They have been very reasonable to be fair, we are included in quarterly meetings about what is going on.

"There has only been one untoward incident in the whole time since they have been open."

Councillor David Yarrow, (Con) who represents Uxbridge North, said: "There were a lot of worries at the time, but I haven't had any complaints about it over the past year."

The centre is run on behalf of Hillingdon PCT by Blenheim CDP, where clients attend clients attend highly structured day programmes which include art, sport, cooking and other therapeutic activities, one-to-one support, group activities, IT training, and guidance on training and employment.

A PCT spokesperson said: "Blenheim CDP Directions have operated successfully for twelve months at this location, without disruption to local residents.

"Their staff have been pro-active in organising quarterly open meetings, at which neighbours and local residents have had the opportunity to raise issues and ask questions.

"They have also closely monitored clients and ensured they behave respectfully in and around the premises.

"Blenheim CDP Directions are now in the process of applying for permanent planning permission.

"This permission will enable them to continue the drug-testing service on their premises, thereby avoiding the necessity of clients having to travel between 65 Belmont Road and testing services elsewhere in the borough."

A further public consultation will take place in September to ask residents their views on the centre's application to remain permanently.

What are your experiences of the rehab centre?