SHOPKEEPERS have reacted angrily to the news that a retail unit in Sale could become a drug rehabilitation centre.

But the manager of Trafford's Drug Action Team says the relocation of the centre will not affect their businesses.

The empty retail unit on Ashton Lane is set to become the new home for Trafford's Community Drugs Team, which is currently based at Sale town hall.

Traders are concerned about the potential loss of another of the town centre's shops - and they are worried about the sort of people that a drug rehabilitation centre would attract to this side of Sale.

Many say they already have problems with troublemakers coming out of the nearby Trafford Magistrates' Court and the Youth Offending Team headquarters on Washway Road.

Janet Bardsley, manager of Lunch Express on Washway Road, said: "We realise it's got to go somewhere, but this isn't the right place for it.

"I dread to think what's going to happen. All we want to do is make a living and feel safe."

And Arnold Ashbrook, owner of Ashbrooks furniture store on Washway Road, said the change of use would be a big blow for other shopkeepers in the area.

He said: "It's another move away from retail. The whole area seems to be getting run down. When you get one or two places changing their use from retail, it brings the whole area down.

"There will be fewer and fewer customers coming to this side of Sale - it will soon end up being all offices."

Eric Porter, owner of Sale DIY, said: "We're upset that we're losing another retail shop, and the type of place it's going to be isn't going to attract customers.

"Over the years we have been losing shops around here - estate agents and solicitors have been taking up good retail outlets. We don't want this here - it's bad news."

Ron Cropper, director of Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad on Washway Road, said: "Trafford Council is supposed to be promoting Sale as a place to come and shop. I think it's disgraceful. This is one of the largest retail units on this side of Sale.

"This sort of service should be within the grounds of the hospital."

But Trafford's Drug Action Team manager Sophie Smith said the team was simply being relocated because of the renovation work in Sale town centre.

She said: "The team has been based at the town hall for nearly 16 years and it has never had any problems.

"We've spent the past year discussing this move and there has been careful analysis of available premises. This is the best place for it."

She said there was also more to the centre than just providing substitute prescriptions. She said: "It's about improving health and reducing crime. It will provide advice and information on a wide range of issues, dealing with drugs of all kinds.

"There will also be about 30 people working at the centre, and they will be contributing to local trade. But the relocation doesn't mean there will be more people coming to use it than before."