RESIDENTS near an old brewery set to be used for supported accommodation for people with drug problems and other issues have spoken of their frustration at the lack of communication about the plans.

Amy Francis-Hicks, who lives in one of the new build houses near the Old Brewery in Portslade, said dozens of residents are worried about the scheme that would see around 50 beds open at the building in South Street for people with “medium to long term mental health problems”.

The proposed new accommodation includes two support services - a housing service that provides flats to people for which a rent is charged, and the second is focussed on supporting the mental health of people from Brighton and Hove.

The scheme will be funded by a joint working group from Brighton and Hove City Council and NHS commissioners.

It will be run by Darlington based charity St John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG) and residents will come from two existing homes run by Sanctuary Housing and Brighton Housing Trust.

The building will be staffed on a 24-hour basis and SJOG has advertised for several roles for the facility, including a substance misuse coordinator.

Ms Francis-Hicks, who has lived in the area for a year and a half with her wife and 16-month-old daughter, said residents have been left in the dark about the proposal and said there are fears about the safety and security of the facility.

The 33-year-old criticised the lack of “due processes” and said a consultation should have been carried out.

Councillors said they were shocked to find out about the scheme a week before residents were supposed to move in.

Read more: Anger at plans to house drug users and people with other problems at former brewery

This date has now been moved back.

A spokesman from NHS Sussex said it is currently going through “due diligence” and will be “extending” a “period of engagement” following concerns from residents.

“NHS Sussex is committed to working with the local community, listening to their views and where possible acting upon concerns members of the local community and partners may have,” said the spokesman.

“We are currently going through due diligence and as part of that a full programme of engagement with the local community, partners, the service users and staff.

“We have listened to the concerns raised by local people and we will be extending this period of engagement to make sure we can hear from all those concerned and work with the local community.”

This week, South Portslade councillors Alan Robins and Les Hamilton, as well as North Portslade councillor Peter Atkinson, called on Brighton and Hove City Council and local NHS commissioners to pause plans while a consultation is carried out.

“There’s such a lack of information about this,” said Ms Francis-Hicks, who works in further education.

“We’ve been told many things by different people and there’s a lot of information on Facebook.

“There are snippets here and there but nothing concrete at the moment, so we’re all worried about the what ifs.

“And the main thing, I speak for myself and other residents as well, is the safety and security of the site because of the people that will potentially be moving in.

“And having our young daughter here it is a valid concern for us.

“But we do know there’s going to be 24-hour CCTV, so it’s concerning.

“The fact there’s been no consultation, if it’s going to happen it’s going to happen, but it would be a courtesy to let us know.

“We all recognise the service they’re providing is really vital for these vulnerable people, but we don’t understand why due processes haven’t been followed.

“The amount of people who are moving into such a small space is also concerning.

“And there are concerns about strains on services like doctors and emergency services.

“Not to mention someone raised the issue that having two pubs in close proximity to this development is probably not a good idea for recovering addicts.”