Flats plan fuels fears

11:15am Friday 4th July 2008

RESIDENTS angry at the prospect of having a complex for homeless young people built on their doorsteps are planning to launch a fighting fund to hire lawyers to oppose it.

They claim the £1.7m development at Aston Fields for 16 to 25 year olds will cause property prices to plummet and render their homes unsaleable. They are also worried about a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour.

The joint initiative Foyer project for 15 flats is earmarked for land occupied by offices and garages off Station Approach. It will back on to Coronation Terrace.

Opposition to the proposal has grown since the Advertiser/Messenger broke the story in May. Last Thursday two well attended public meetings were held at the Council House when representatives from West Mercia Housing Group, the county and district councils and Foyer attempted to allay residents' fears.

The proposed affordable housing scheme, if planning consent is given, will be one of 130 nationwide.

The complex will be initially staffed round the clock for six months and possibly longer .

Residents at the meeting were unhappy to learn two or three per cent of likely tenants could come with a criminal record. But, it was emphasised they will have to give a commitment to the scheme before joining.

Local resident Katie Baylis said: "We are trying to be open minded, but are really worried about what will happen if the scheme gets planning approval."

Organisers of the protest say the fighting fund will be launched at a public meeting in the next few days once a date, time and venue has been fixed.