Plans to open a drugs rehabilitation unit at a food warehouse are a "waste of time" according to the head of Yorkshire Co-operatives.

Chief executive Tony Henry said no request had been made to buy the company's produce warehouse in East Bowling, Bradford.

A storm of protest erupted when St John's Church in Wakefield Road announced plans to create a rehabilitation centre at the site earlier this year.

But Mr Henry said the building was not for sale and the speculation had upset staff.

He said: "We've never had any discussions with anyone about the site. They are wasting their time, the warehouse is used to store fruit and veg.

"I've heard about the plans and it unsettles our staff. But they can't go forward without speaking to us and they haven't."

A petition containing more than 1,100 names was drawn up against the plan by residents who feared a rehabilitation centre would put children at risk from drug dealers.

More than 200 residents attended the East Bowling Neighbourhood Forum in September.

The church hopes to open a "drug-free" residential treatment unit for users and an adjacent community centre.

Reverend Howard Astin said church members had spoken with several Co-op staff members about the warehouse but had not spoken to Mr Henry.

He said funding for the centre had not been finalised and a planning application was not imminent.

Alice Rowntree, who compiled the petition said: "It looks like the church has put the cart before the horse.''

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