WHEN dealing with mental health, lack of information does not just cause concern, it creates fear. So it is easy to understand residents who have learned that a former Blackburn nursing home is to be converted for recovering mental health patients.

The building is close to their homes and Cambian Health Care Ltd has been renovating it to create a 32-bed facility.

What has angered residents most is that they say renovation work has been going on in front of them without any explanation about what the building is going to be used for. Because no alterations were being made to the outside, and the premises already had planning permission for residential use, no consultation was required.

But although this is perfectly legal, is it the right way to ease people's fears?

Already in East Lancashire we have seen the effect that a lack of information can have on residents near the Kemple View unit in Langho. This private unit houses substantially fewer than 100 people but it is also just yards from people's homes.

Residents objected to a proposed extension last year and accused bosses of failing to keep them informed. But at least they could make their feelings known through the planning process.

Isn't it about time we ensured people were always told in advance about such facilities? If there is nothing to fear, what is the problem with doing so?