IT is a great shame that opposition from some local residents has scuppered plans for a drugs rehabilitation centre in Ampleforth.

Villagers in both Ampleforth and Gilling East objected to the proposal, fearing that it might wreck their countryside idyll. They believed the centre, based in the grounds of Ampleforth College and run by the Rehabilitation For Addicted Prisoners Trust, would have created a drugs problem in the area and increased crime.

These initial fears were understandable. Few people would immediately welcome an influx of drug-addicted criminals into their neighbourhood.

But the trust did all it could to explain its work, and to reassure residents that the new centre would not turn their corner of the North York Moors into a rural Moss Side.

Under its strict 12-point charter a resident found with drugs or alcohol would have been escorted off the premises and taken to the "nearest urban centre". An alarm system and 24-hour supervision would have deterred escape attempts.

Unfortunately, even this was not enough to assuage residents' anger. Inevitably, therefore, the plan had to be abandoned, a decision which saddened the Abbot of Ampleforth College, the Right Reverend Timothy Wright.

Drug abusers who are keen to kick the habit are helped to do just that by the Rehabilitation For Addicted Prisoners Trust. Its valuable work has a track record of breaking the cycle of offending among addicts.

If Ampleforth and Gilling East residents believe they live in a drug-free environment, they are kidding themselves. Rural Ryedale has as serious a drugs problem as many urban areas.

Drug workers clearly felt that the peace and isolation of Ampleforth would have helped the rehabilitation process. But the former prisoners have been denied access to this beautiful setting by villagers who want to keep it for themselves.

Trust bosses must now try to find another location for its project which aims to make a real difference to desperate people's lives. We wish them luck.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, January 25, 2001