RESIDENTS in Rossendale are stepping up their campaign to prevent sex offenders being housed in their quiet village.

The Langley House Trust, the organisation which runs the rehabilitation hostel, Chatterton Hey House, in Edenfield, gave its staff the green light to offer places to convicted sex offenders despite public outcry in October.

The hostel, located just 100 yards from a children’s play area and nursery in Exchange Street, also takes in ex-offenders suffering from alcohol and drug abuse.

Appalled residents, who have fought the plans with protest marches and petitions, say they will not stop until their village is ‘safe again’.

Edenfield campaigner Matt Mead, said: “The time has come to step up the campaign and to show The Langley House Trust we will not put up with this.

“Since November, there has been several residents moved into the hostel.

“We have been quiet over the winter.

“But we now plan to step up own campaign.”

The campaign has been supported by Valley MP Jake Berry and Edenfield Coun Darryl Smith.

However, some of the posters put up by campaigners in recent weeks have been removed or vandalised.

Initially The Langley House Trust also wanted to offer places to paedophiles convicted of sexual offences against children.

But, following two protest marches, a petition and a lack of support from Lancashire Probation Trust and the police, the idea was scrapped.

The independent trust has been able to implement its decision without having to seek permission from the Probation Service or local police.

The centre declined to comment yesterday.