Manchester City Council looks set to reject a controversial proposal for a drug abuse and alcoholic clinic next to the King David School campus.

The council says it is duty-bound to consider preliminary plans from the Westwood Nursing Home, in Crumpsall, for a rehab clinic, but has indicated that a full planning application will almost certainly fail. The care home had its council accreditation suspended after asking its elderly residents to leave to make way for the proposed clinic.

A council spokesperson commented: "We do not think that this is the correct way to treat elderly and frail people. The council view is also that there is sufficient provision for rehab within the city."

Local councillor Jon-Leigh Pritchard is convinced that a rehab clinic next to a school would never be sanctioned. "I am categorical in my absolute condemnation of this plan, its lack of consultation and its total unsuitability to the locality."

King David governors' chair Joshua Rowe is reassured by developments. "We were not sure of the nature of [the clinic's] inhabitants and might have needed increased security," he pointed out. "We are very happy."
Westwood director Ash Patel would say only: "There are no residents in the home and no other plans."