women.

Planning permission had been granted for the Fair Havens Christian Care Association to establish a home for females recovering from drug or alcohol dependencies.

But the matter has now gone to appeal after six neighbours complained about the proposed scheme to convert a former tourist accomodation on Verdmont Road, Smith's into a 16 bed unit.

Environment Minister Harry Soares is expected to make a decision on the plans in the coming weeks, after it has been investigated by a visiting planning inspector.

Fair Havens chairwoman Pat Lynn reassured residents that there was nothing to fear from the home and it was a case of educating people about what the centre was about.

"There is a serious lack of understanding with regard to the rehabilitation process in Bermuda,'' she said.

"We have got to get the message across that we are helping with a positive influence in womens' lives. We need to educate the community so they have a better understanding of what this is all about.'' She said it is a case of informing the public of all the good work they did, making a difference to peoples' lives.

"It could be anybody's sister, mother or daughter. This is a wonderful opportunity to help young women who are in trouble.'' The Development Applications Board has received revised plans to create a new steakhouse and apartments in the heart of Hamilton. Spinning Wheel nightclub owner Charles Burgess is heading the initiative to renovate an unused building at 26 Elliott Street. But Mr. Burgess said the new restaurant would be totally different from the nightclub.

And he said he hoped to rid both the building and the area of its reputation as a drug user's haven.