RESIDENTS turned out in force this week to challenge the town council over plans to build homes for mentally-ill patients in the Spa.

They took action following the circulation of 500 anonymous letters stating a high- density housing scheme for patients had been resurrected.

The letters claimed residents' car parks in Miller Street and Burrish Street were possible sites and Wychavon District Council was trying to push the plans through in secret.

They went on to say that plans would be ratified at the district council's housing and economic development committee meeting on September 19.

Last year residents joined together to fight the development of flats for the mentally-ill.

But, at a meeting of Droitwich Spa Town Council's planning committee on Monday, councillors denied the rumours.

Burrish Street resident Mark Heel told town councillors: "We have heard from sources the controversial scheme we campaigned against is still on-going. We want you to do some digging."

He told the Advertiser: "I am not prejudiced against people suffering from mental health problems but we are already over subscribed."

Droitwich mayor Cllr Don Lawley (Con, Droit.South) said the issue would not be discussed on September 19 and invited residents to attend the meeting to put their minds at rest.

District council leader Cllr Malcolm Meikle (Con, Elmley Castle) also strongly denied the claims.

"One can only assume this flyer is part of a scaremongering campaign," he told the Adver tiser.

Cllr Meikle confirmed the district council is looking to select a housing association partner to work with on a bid for a housing corporation fund but said there was no need to select a site.

He said: "The process is at the earliest possible stage.

"There is no guarantee it will be successful."

"The bid will be submitted in October and the outcome announced in December."