TWO Wyre councillors are up in arms over plans for a new children's home in Poulton which they say could cause distress to residents in the area.

Blackpool housing company Whistledawn wants to transform the old Brooklands Nursery Home at 106 Breck Road, Poulton, into a home for 12 children, aged 11-16, who are "beyond parental control."

The company was refused planning permission in March, but a public inquiry was called for, the results of which are due in October.

Wyre Borough Planning Authority recommended the original application but a council committee refused it on the grounds of "a loss of amenities and potential noise and parking problems."

Breck Ward Councillor Frank Carroll said he was completely against the plans: "There are no real facilities for the children in the area, and none of the schools there have spare places. It wouldn't be fair on either the children themselves or the elderly residents on Breck Road. It's a nice retirement area -- let's keep it that way." He went on to say that residents are concerned about the type of youngsters who would stay at the home, fearing increased incidents involving drugs, crime and vandalism.

Some also said they didn't want another home in the area as the Fylde Community children's home is nearby on Normoss Road.

Councillor Harry Taylor, also from Breck Ward, said: "I think it would be the height of folly to put 12 young children into a house on a certified A-road with no play facilities in the area."

Area planning officer for Wyre Borough Council, Chris Weetman, referred to Piers House in Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, and said similar fears from residents had never come to fruition. He said: "We feel as officers that we couldn't recommend refusal of the plans. We talked to Piers House and didn't see any problems."

And Ian Wilkinson, spokesman for Whistledawn, staunchly defended the plans. He said: "The children we will look after aren't criminals -- they are in care because they are beyond parental control or their parents are unable to look after them for whatever reason.

"There have been no complaints about Piers House and the various fears are ungrounded. Blackpool is only ten minutes away so there will be plenty of leisure facilities, and the majority of children will be educated in-house, so it won't affect nearby schools.

"Our aim is to integrate children back into the community and family regardless of their circumstances."