Shoppers and traders have voiced serious concerns about plans to turn a shop in Cavendish Street into a project's centre for people with drug and alcohol problems.

Members of the public have expressed a number of worries about the pioneering drug and alcohol misuse agency Project 6 moving into new premises on Cavendish Street, Keighley.

Although people are not objecting to the centre in principle, a growing number feel that one of Keighley's main shopping thoroughfares is not the right location.

They say the development would be of detriment to the area and could lead to an increase in the number of people loitering and causing a nuisance.

There is also concern that the planned restoration of Cavendish Street's Victorian canopy, designed to turn it into the retail showpiece of Keighley, will fall flat if the centre receives the go-ahead.

Some have voiced additional doubts that placing the centre in such a busy high street location will make it more difficult to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of people using the service.

Since the planning application was announced to the public last week seven letters, all in opposition to the plans, have been sent to Bradford council planners in Keighley.

One trader, who wishes to remain anonymous, says: "People are objecting not in theory to what it is, they are just objecting to the proposed position.

"We know that this is a service that should be provided and it is obviously a good idea, but what we are saying is the location is wrong.

"I have had problems before with people coming in the shop under the influence of drink or drugs who steal items and have been abusive to myself and other customers and my fear is this will become worse.

"A lot of families and children come shopping down Cavendish Street and I think there is a real concern about people loitering about on the street.

"When there are plans to turn this area into a high profile show piece surely there is a need to keep and develop the small, independent shops."

Project 6 organisers say the move from its current base in Temple Street, which it has occupied for 10 years, is necessary to provide more space and privacy for people seeking help.

Speaking to the Keighley News last month, Project 6 Co-ordinator Anne Flanagan said that if the plans receive the go-ahead from Keighley planning panel, the agency will ensure the building is well maintained and that the faade remains in keeping with other historic buildings on the street.

Bradford Health Action Zone has provided the money to buy the building in recognition of growing alcohol and drug problem in Keighley.

Health experts have reported a worrying increase over the last decade in the use of heroin in Keighley with younger people especially affected.

Keighley police Community Safety Officer Sergeant Allan Gee is supporting Project 6's move to new premises.

He says: "There's been no problems in the Temple Street area resulting or attributable to Project 6 over the last 10 years so there's no reason to expect any problems in the Cavendish Street area.

"There is a very strong correlation between drugs and crime and from that point of view Project 6's role in taking people away from drug abuse can only be of benefit in the long run."

Project 6 co-ordinator Anne Flanagan says: "We need something accessible and something large enough to accommodate us and we have consulted with Ann Cryer, police, the local health authority and social services.

"We've always got on extremely well with our neighbours in Temple Street and we want the same kind of relationship with the people in Cavendish Street.

"We are reasonable people to deal with and we are trying to be as accommodating as possible. I have answered as many of the questions put to us as I can and am happy to go on doing that."

Anyone with queries can contact Anne at Project 6 on 01535610480.