A CONTROVERSIAL drugs advice centre in Winchester is to get the go-ahead despite fierce opposition by dozens of residents and traders.

Winchester City Council received 70 objections to Rupert's but planning officers have recommended it is set up in a former greengrocers in Bridge Street.

Now councillors have the final say at their planning meeting at the Guildhall tomorrow.

The Trinity Centre wants to open Rupert's, backed by the Hampshire Drug Action Team, to provide information and help.

Its name was adopted in memory of Rupert Barker, a heroin addict who died in the city last year.

Its opponents say it will hit business, have a detrimental effect on the area and damage the image of Winchester.

Joe Hayes, landlord of the Cricketers Inn in Bridge Street, said: "The general feeling is one of extreme downheartedness and anger that they are not recognising local people's rights and wishes.

"We want the councillors to reject it wholeheartedly or to defer it for further consideration, or find another premises which is more suitable and less harmful. We will fight tooth and nail."

Rupert's mother, who does not want to be named for professional reasons, said: "I am all for the centre if it can help people.

"I can understand the objections if people think it will be a centre for addicts and they do not want it in their back yard, but I want it to go ahead.

"It seems quite necessary."

Trinity Centre manager Michelle Gardner said: "It is great that it has been recommended.

"We are disappointed with the number of objections. We were expecting some opposition but not quite to this scale."

The report recognises that there is "a lot of local opposition" but states: "The local plan encourages new facilities and services within settlements, and this location within the commercial core of Winchester provides a sustainable location, which makes it accessible to a wide variety of people.

"While the site is situated near to some residential properties, it is considered that the use will not have a detrimental affect on private amenity."