THE ISLE of Wight Council and tourism chiefs have complained they were left in the dark over controversial plans to establish a quarantine centre for Far East students returning to the UK from Sars infected areas.

About 140 students from 30 boarding schools around the UK are being held at the East Dene Activity Centre at Bonchurch for ten days to make sure they have not contracted the disease during school holidays spent in Far Eastern areas, mainly Hong Kong.

The move prompted concern that the students could bring the dreaded illness to the Island.

Though stressing the risk of the students being infected is minimal, the council, tourism leaders and public health officials are concerned they were not told of the quarantine plans.

The tourism industry was particularly perturbed that news of the placement broke on the eve of the Easter holiday.

John Metcalfe, head of community development and tourism, said: "I am extremely annoyed and disappointed that we were not consulted over the decision."

Mr Metcalfe said there was anecdotal evidence that a small number of holiday-makers had cancelled their plans to visit the Island.

Cllr John Fleming, pictured, executive spokesman for tourism, called the placement "ludicrous".

The placement was also slated by David Groocock, chairman of the Island Tourist Industry Association, who said that a set of guidelines would be issued to all members explaining the need to consult about decisions that affected the whole Island.

At a series of weekend meetings, the concern over lack of information was voiced to Denea Wright, managing director of East Dene. Assurances that the children were to remain with the ten-acre site at Bonchurch were also obtained.

Ms Wright said she had been surprised by the reaction of the Island council.

She added: "We have acted responsibility bearing in mind there are countless other people coming into the UK from other infected areas at will."

Dr Paul Bingham, the Island's consultant in public health, said: "Sars is not an easily caught illness, being spread through close contact with the infected person, and I would emphasis that the risk to the public caused by the presence of these young people is negligible."