RESIDENTS opposed to plans to convert a former home for the elderly into a mental health treatment facility have leapt to the defence of councillors who organised a meeting for them to discuss their concerns.

Ashleigh House, off North Road, Darlington, is to be converted into a halfway house for adults who have been released from care in mental health hospitals.

Local Conservative councillors Gill and Mike Cartwright were accused by rival Labour councillor Mark Burton of “scaremongering”, after they organised a public meeting last month between residents and the home’s owners, Minster Care Group.

In a letter to Coun Burton, Maureen Robinson, who lives near to the building in North Road, backed the Cartwrights.

She said residents needed to speak to Minster management to find out if there was any truth in the rumours that the centre would be used to treat drug and alcohol addicts.

She wrote: “Gill and Mike acted on behalf of myself and others, they at no time started scaremongering.

“They took no part in the discussion except to take notes. They were asked by several people to take up this matter on our behalf and that was only after being asked several times.

“You had the same questions raised by myself, you chose not to act – they did and we all thank them for it.”

Carol Coxon, of Minster, said last night there were no plans to use the site for drug and alcohol treatment.

“The primary care of anybody moving into the home will be mental health,” she said.

“It will help people back into the community, and give them the appropriate support to enable them to live independently.”

“We are more than happy to meet with any local residents on a one-to-one basis to go through any concerns they may have.”

Coun Burton said residents had no cause to be worried about the plans.

“I have looked at it, and I have spoken to the management, and there is really no problem here,” he said.

“I would rather the building was put to good use than stay empty and become derelict.

I’m sure local residents wouldn’t want that to happen.

“Two residents have contacted me about this. I can’t see what their worries are.”

Residents who want to discuss the plans are asked to call Ms Coxon on 07909-942553.