ANGRY residents turned out in force to discuss a controversial drug rehabilitation centre they feel is being "railroaded" into their village.

Strong opposition was voiced at three public meetings attracting more than 330 people at Minster, Thanet. Fears for children, elderly and other vulnerable people are acute concerns.

The centre is earmarked for the site of the recently-closed Minster Museum, on land owned by Minster Abbey.

Concerns were addressed to a panel including representatives of RAPt, the Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners' Trust, and Pathways House, the group intending to develop the centre.

Resident Phil Shorter said: "Lots of villagers are sympathetic to drug addiction and know treatment is essential but we are angry because the heart of Minster is not the right place.

"This has been presented as a fait accompli that does not have to go through a planning process."

Mike Trace, chief executive of RAPt, said there would be constant supervision on the site with volunteers and staff escorting participants to and from the centre each day.