Public health bosses have only themselves to blame for determined opposition to a planned move of drug rehab services in Surbiton, residents and business owners have said.

Treatment for addiction could be moved from Surbiton Health Centre to Hollyfield House in Hollyfield Road, alongside services for people with mental health issues.

More than 500 people have signed a petition opposing the plans.

Mary Marshall, who runs nearby Avondale gym, said Kingston Council had put up a “smokescreen” and failed to consult properly.

She said: “I had no information. There was no letter to this gym.”

At a meeting yesterday to address fears, one resident said: “It feels like you were sneaking it under the radar. I support the wellbeing centre coming to this location.

“Your poor communication has created a bogeyman.”

Councillor Julie Pickering, lead member for health, admitted the council “could have done better” by asking more residents what they thought.

At the King Charles Centre yesterday, many raised concerns about the potential for patients to loiter in parks near Hollyfield House, and for drug paraphernalia to be left lying around.

But drug and alcohol strategy manager Stephanie Royston-Mitchell said: “People who are coming to a treatment service for support are coming because they want to make a difference.

“They’ve had enough of the life they’re leading.”

Dr Claire Husbands, who works at the wellbeing service, added: “We do know who they are and we’re pretty hot on getting out and making sure they’ve moved on and aren’t hanging around.”

Just two people a month use the service’s needle exchange, the meeting heard.

About 40 people a day visit Surbiton Health Centre for rehab treatment.

But if those services were joined with psychological therapies in Hollyfield House, visitor numbers could increase to 100 per day – making traffic and parking significant problems.

Residents felt yesterday the search for a suitable new home for the service had also been rushed.

The council’s associate director of public health, Iona Lidington, said: “The NHS premises that met that criteria were actually being sold off.

“Moving services there, to then have to move them on again, wouldn’t seem very fair to the clients.

“We can never guarantee no risks. We mitigate and reduce the risk as much as we can.”

Another consultation meeting is set for 7.15pm tonight at Dysart School.

The plans will be debated at a council meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 18, at the Guildhall, ahead of a full council meeting in November.