A SPECIALIST new AIDS hospice is planned for Chorley - sparking fears of a fund-raising free-for-all.

The 25-patient hospice for terminally ill people and their families has been given the go-ahead by Chorley's planning committee.

And its bosses, who promised there would be no grab for cash, revealed some famous names would receive treatment there. Based at Anderton it is described as the only specialist treatment and hospice caring for all categories of HIV/AIDS-related conditions between Edinburgh and London.

But neighbouring St Catherine's Hospice in Lostock Hall, which admits patients from Chorley, is deeply concerned that its on-going campaign for cash will be badly hit.

Appeals manager John Nickson said: "It costs us £1.5 million a year to run the hospice.

"We have to raise £1.14 million from volunteers, so 76 per cent of the running costs come from the generosity of people out there.

"It is of very great concern to us that their local hospice is Catherine's. We are the hospice that looks after Preston, Chorley and South Ribble people and that's the way it is going to be."

However, bosses for the proposed new development at the Rivington residential training, conference and water sports centre, New Road, Anderton, promised there would be no cash war.

Applicant Mr Alan Fresle, based in West Sussex, said: "We are completely funded by the NHS. We won't be looking for any local money, it is completely self supporting."

If it gets final approval it is understood the unit could be called the Rivington HIV/AIDS Treatment Centre and Hospice, though Mr Fresle said there would be no bar to terminally ill patients suffering from other diseases.

Mr Fresle, proprietor of a hospice and treatment centre and two other respite centres in West Sussex said: "We take referrals form the length and breadth of Great Britain. We don't discriminate with any form of disease."

He added: "The Chorley centre will be registered for respite, convalescent and medical palliative care."

And he revealed: "There will be certain people coming through that centre of national repute."

An educational water sports centre for young people has operated from the site at Lower Rivington Reservoir for many years.

The proposal is for the development of a two-story residential block on the site. Although there is competition from a proposed hotel development, Chorley Borough Council would prefer a quieter hospice.

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