Drug treatment charity Inward House Projects have ploughed millions of pounds into a scheme to open the town's first residential drug rehabilitation centre at the former Withnell House nursing home in Withnell.

Last year, hundreds of local residents protested against the scheme amid fears it would cause a sharp increase in crime and lower property values in the affluent village.

However, organisers say residents have nothing to fear as the 16-bed mixed-use rehabilitation centre nears completion later this month.

Jerry Sutton, chief executive of the Lancaster-based group, said: "Inward House Projects is immensely proud of its new development, which places us at the forefront of the fight against the misery caused by drugs and alcohol in the North West.

"This new development would never have been possible without the support of the National Treatment Agency and government."

Last year, Chorley Council rejected plans for the rehab after they received 120 letters of objection from worried residents.

However, the decision was later overturned by planning inspector Ruth Mackenzie, who said the scheme would not negatively impact the quality of life in the close-knit village.

This week, Robert Howarth, 71, who campaigned against the centre, said: "We were extremely disappointed with the decision to give it the go ahead but at the end of he day we are stuck with it now and we'll just have to see how things pan out.

"But that said, they seem to be making a good job of it and we'll reserve judgement until it is up and running."