An alcohol rehabilitation service has assured residents a new support centre will not see their neighbourhood plagued by noisy drunks.

John Reading, chief executive of Community Alcohol Team Projects, said residents had nothing to fear from plans to turn Chanctonbury House, in Dyke Road, Brighton, into a rehabilitation centre for recovering drug and alcohol users.

The new centre would offer specialist care for parents with drug or drink problems and their children.

Mr Reading said many examples across the country showed drug and alcohol care centres had no negative impact on surrounding residents and their neighbourhoods.

He said: "It just doesn't happen. People who attend these services are looking for help.

"They are keen to improve their personal situation.

"They understand any negative behaviour they display could be detrimental to the treatment being offered.

"People attending are trying desperately to improve their family and living skills."

Community Alcohol Team Projects jointly provides drug and alcohol care in Brighton and Hove through the support service Addaction, based in St George's Place.

Earlier this year proposals to set up Addaction drew fierce criticism from residents wary of the impact of drug users in their neighbourhood.

Plans to convert Chanctonbury House, a former retirement home for actors, are being overseen by Phoenix House Housing Association.

If it wins planning permission 20 parents and children would be housed at Chanctonbury House, nearly double the figure cared for at its premises in Seafield Road, Hove.

Brighton and Hove Council is expected to consider a planning application to change the use of Chanctonbury House next month.

Mr Reading added: "The word drugs sets alarm bells ringing. I understand parental concern.

"But there is no evidence to say services such as this have a negative impact on the area around them."