CAMPAIGNERS fighting for better care for patients with renal failure in Poole say they are devastated that plans to build a special care centre have been recommended for refusal.

More than 200 people in Dorset require treatment on kidney dialysis machines at least three times a week for up to three to four hours at a time.

But many sufferers living in the conurbation have to travel as far away as Dorchester or even Yeovil to be treated because there is so much demand for the nearest care unit in Bournemouth.

Fresenius Medical Care Renal Services Ltd has applied to build a 10-bed care centre on the Manning's Heath industrial estate, which would provide renal dialysis for up to 40 seriously ill patients from the area.

But officers at Borough of Poole have recommended the planning committee refuse the application tomorrow evening because it could affect local employment - although campaigners say the centre would provide between 20 and 30 full time jobs.

Committee member of the Dorset Kidney Fund Eileen Jacobsen, said: "We're absolutely devastated. We really thought it was going ahead and might be up and running within the next two years. We still hope to persuade the council to accept the plans. It's so important because without this kind of service people would die."

But a report prepared for the planning committee states that the land is reserved under the local plan for employment purposes.

"This would be harmful to the future growth and delivery of industrial development by reason that the proposal is not compatible with neighbouring employment uses," the report said.

"The proposal would also be likely to set a precedent for the further loss of employment land."