VILLAGERS have vowed to continue battle against plans for an “open prison” in the Hampshire countryside.

The warning comes after bosses behind plans for a rehabilitation centre for criminals said they would submit a new scheme after withdrawing previous proposals.

Changing Lanes (12 Steps) Ltd wants to use a former New Forest nursing home to treat criminals who are addicted to drink or drugs.

Yesterday it was revealed that the company had withdrawn its application to redevelop the old Linford Park complex at Linwood, near Ringwood.

But bosses said they intended to submit another scheme after talking to villagers and trying to address their concerns.

One of the objectors, Carol Wood, said: “They will probably modify the size and the number of residents but we will fight on.

“We had a local residents’ meeting the other evening and more than 100 people turned up. When we asked for a show of hands all but two of those present were opposed to the Linford Park scheme.”

Cllr Bill Dow, who represents the area, said Linwood, an isolated village, was the wrong place for a non-secure unit housing scores of addicts.

He added: “A woman walking her dog miles from anywhere is going to feel rather intimidated if she encounters any of the patients.”

If the scheme goes ahead Linford Park will be used to treat 90 residents, including prisoners released under curfew and offenders sent there as an alternative to jail.

Villagers vowed to fight the scheme after the application was submitted a few weeks ago.

Objectors said their homes would be burgled by people desperate for cash to buy drinks and drugs if the project was approved.

They also criticised what they described as a lack of consultation.

Len Doyle said: “Changing Linford Park from an old people’s home into an open prison for drug and alcohol-dependent offenders shouldn’t be foisted on the area without a full hearing.”

Last night Changing Lanes said it would submit another application after reviewing the issues that had been raised.

A spokesman for the company said: “They are very keen to proceed with the project but want to make sure they get the public on board.”

The National Park Authority (NPA), which will determine the application, confirmed that Changing Lanes had withdrawn its initial plans following concerns expressed by villagers.

“They wish to consider those concerns more fully before deciding how to proceed with the proposal,” said an NPA spokesman.