A MEETING has failed to convince residents that they will be safe from drug users in Uxbridge.

Staff at Hillingdon Primary Care Trust organised a consultation meeting with a number of concerned residents on Monday to discuss the drug rehabilitation centre on Belmont Road, Uxbridge.

The centre is located next door to Hermitage Nursery and caused outrage among parents when it was announced.

The meeting took place on Monday evening at Christchurch Hall, Redford Way, Uxbridge.

Mayesta Ewer, who lives on Fairfield Road, said: "On reflection it was very good that they came forward and it gave them an opportunity to speak to the community.

"But they didn't have anything new to tell us in terms of our concerns, I don't think they came away convincing anyone that it is the right location for the drug centre.

"People are fearful to send their children out to the shops, our behaviour is already having to change, it is affecting the community.

"We have been told differing statistics regarding the success rates of the centre, and this has doesn't help allay our fears.

"The consultation they have been taking has also been very limited, and with not much consideration to the nursery, it is almost as if they are trying to limit the number of complaints."

"The North Uxbridge Residents Association, the nursery, and various members of the community will all be making our representation at the council committee meeting in November."

Den Ponton, who runs the newsagents next door to the centre, has helped organise petitions against the clinic, and so far up to six have been submitted to the council along with numerous letters of objection.

He said: "As far as they (the PCT) are concerned no incidents have occurred and the situation is fine, but I think they have been told to be on their best behaviour.

"They may very well have a group of people who going through there at the moment that are fine, but it changes every ten to twelve weeks."

Dennis Janes, 80, who lives in Fairfield Road, said: "I am very concerned, all it takes is one incident."

Parents have voiced concerns at feeling intimidated at groups of men standing outside the centre, and staff at Hermitage Nursery are said to be furious at the lack of consultation that they have received in relation to the clinic.

Up to 12 convicted drug users a day use the site which offers them counselling and employment advice.

Hillingdon PCT however remained positive at the outcome of the meeting, and hoped it could lead to more dialogue between them and the concerned parties.

A PCT spokesperson said: "Yesterday's public meeting was held to provide an opportunity for local residents and businesses to discuss with us the drugs rehabilitation clinic at 65 Belmont Road.

"We were represented at the meeting by the PCT, Blenheim CDP who run the centre and the police probation service.

"We felt the meeting was constructive and set up a process for an ongoing dialogue with a monthly forum for residents to talk to us."