THE council will once again try to push through a controversial plan to turn the former St James Street library building into a drug treatment centre, it has been confirmed.

New council leader Chris Robbins is keen to push the plan forward, despite opposition from his Liberal Democrat cabinet colleagues and campaigners.

However, the plan is set to be approved as majority Labour portfolio holders are expected to fall behind their leader.

Cllr Robbins believes the treatment centre would be a “wonderful addition” to the local community.

He said: “People who will use it won't go there to shoot up (drugs), they will go there to try and get their lives back to a normal condition.

“We are talking about people who are desperately trying to get their lives back together.

“We have other centres in the borough like this and once its there people will realise it's not the most terrible thing.”

Cllr Robbins said the Lib Dem group, which will not support the plan, has yet to come up with any alternatives to the Coppermill Lane site.

He said: “Turning its back on the most vulnerable people is not a position a local council should take.”

Cllr Robbins added that it would be difficult to site a new centre that is not close to shops, schools or homes and suggested that much of the opposition to the scheme is “residue” from the unsuccessful attempt to retain the building as a library.

A recent council report found fewer addicts are entering treatment in Waltham Forest than in other London boroughs. This is believed to contribute to a sharp rise in burglaries and the authority is under pressure to develop facilities.

Cllr John Macklin, Lib Dem group leader, said: “We accept the need for a centre but that is not the right place for it, it won't help regeneration.”

The Save St James St library campaign group insists local residents back its opposition to the plan.

Campaigner Ruth Duncan said: “Not one person said 'not in my backyard' but all were saying that the old library is not an appropriate place for a drug users' centre because of the residential nature of the area, and that having a drug centre in that location means the loss of a key and prominent community building for everyone.

The centre will be funded by a £350,000 government ring-fenced for drug treatment and held by NHS Waltham Forest.

A planning application will not be needed as the authority already has permission to use the building for community use.