MOTHERS in Andover's King Arthur's Way are up in arms about an alcohol and drugs and information service due to open in Atholl Court in a former video shop.

Sam Oakley, a mother of three, has collected an 800-name petition against the opening. Deep concern surrounds the proposal.

The mothers' main worry is that their children will see drugs being used.

"Children will want to know what they are doing and where are the addicts going to dispose of their needles?" asked Sam.

The mothers are against having the centre so close to their homes. They feel itwould be better if it was nearer the hospital.

Test Valley Borough Cllr Robin Hughes said: "So many children go to the shop next door to buy sweets."

And Gail Hind, a mother, said: "The supermarket next door to the video shop is now playing music to prevent children hanging around outside, but I'll tell you something, I'd rather kids than addicts."

There are other concerns too: The elderly go to the shop to collect their pensions and the Entertainer public house is adjacent to the site.

Its landlady, Margaret Rawlings said: "The centre for recovering alcoholics will not work next to a pub."

Simon Bowkett, area services manager for Crime Reduction Initiatives, the charity behind the service. said: "CRI will be providing a structured day care programme for people recovering from alcohol and substance misuse problems who are already motivated to change their behaviour.

"The programme has strict rules on behaviour and will not be open to anyone who is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

"We currently provide similar services in Gosport and Fratton that have been well received by the community, and are providing essential support to help people maintain their commitment to change."