An agency that helps people with drug and alcohol problems has pulled out of a controversial move to a new town centre base. Project 6 has decided not to buy and move into new premises on Cavendish Street following a wave of opposition from traders' and members of the public.

More than 300 letters of objection were sent to Keighley planners after the drug and alcohol agency applied for a change of use to 46 Cavendish Street.

Project 6 co-ordinator Anne Flanagan says: "We are very disappointed that it's not going to go ahead because we have been looking for a suitable building for two years and we were very pleased with the premises on Cavendish Street.

"But because of the level of opposition we've made a decision that really the best option is to withdraw.

"There were some very strong views expressed in the local media and to ourselves so we've listened to the strength of feeling and made our decision on that basis.

"We've had a fairly large and broad sweep of support and we like to thank Ann Cryer, Keighley police, Keighley Area Panel and social services for backing us.

"We have outgrown the building we currently occupy but we will have to stay here until we find something suitable."

Shop owners in Cavendish Street and members of the public voiced strong concerns about the proposals, with traders drafting their own letter of opposition.

They said that one of Keighley's main family shopping thoroughfares was not the place for an agency like Project 6 and would be detrimental to the image of Cavendish Street, especially with the upcoming refurbishment of the Victorian canopy.

Shop owners expressed fears about an increase in shoplifting and addicts using the back alley as a place to take their drugs. Concerns were also raised about placing the agency in close proximity to toy shops and restaurants used by children.

With such a prominent town centre location it was also argued that the confidentiality of people using the service would be compromised.

Dave Firth, of Offshoots health store, says: "We are relieved, basically, because we want Cavendish Street to stay as a shopping street and not turned into offices and clinics.

"I do wish Project 6 well because these services are required and it does provide a valuable service, but it is a question of location, and Cavendish Street is just not a suitable location.

"We are fighting against out of town shopping centres, so we should be singing the praises of Keighley because it is a super size and has a fantastic range of national and independent shops."

MP Ann Cryer, who has remained steadfast in her support of Project 6, fears the level of opposition from "nimbys" will make it more difficult for the organisation to find a suitable home. She says: "I'm sorry they are having to pull out and I think it will be more difficult finding anywhere else. The 300 petitioners have started the ball rolling because wherever Project 6 applies now for planning permission there is going to be a petition.

"It might be preferable to find somewhere outside of the shopping centre, but there is a limited range of properties in Keighley that are affordable and suitable and can be accessed by people using trains or buses. They do need somewhere bigger and they continue to do wonderful work with families in terrible circumstances."

The project currently rents premises in Temple Street where it will remain until a viable alternative is found.