In a bid to defuse a row with residents, Kaleidoscopes director, Reverend Martin Blakebrough has pledged that the projects proposed extension will not cater for additional drug addicts.

The new learning centre, to be built in Cromwell Road, will be separate from the charitys drug rehabilitation work.

Mr Blakebrough said: The majority of users of the education facility will have no history with drugs.

He also sought to clear up the misunderstanding among residents and shopkeepers surrounding the use of the £1.3 million extension.

However, the Old London Road traders association has rallied support against the proposal with a 55-signature petition.

The new building will include an ICT training centre, a music rehearsal room and a digital art department as well as a six-bed detox ward.

Mr Blakebrough added: What most people forget is that Kaleidoscope isnt just a drugs project, its a community project.

The charity also runs the Alfriston Day Centre for the elderly, an asylum seekers hostel and a mental health project.

Mr Blakebrough said the learning centre would provide support to young and old people struggling with their education.

The extension will see the enlargement of the charitys existing learning facility located in Hardman Road, which will be used for staff accommodation, administration and training.

Mr Blakebrough estimates that the new facility will see an increase of usage from 100 to about 130 students, spread over two floors.

The detox unit will be located on the third floor and will cater for those clients on the charitys current drug rehabilitation list.