PEOPLE living near a proposed home for disabled people near Accrington have been accused of "scaremongering" in their bid to stop the plan going ahead.

More than 60 letters of objection have been received by Hyndburn Council over a plan to convert a house in Winterley Drive, Huncoat, into a care home for people with learning disabilities.

Residents' objections include fears for their children's safety and claims that the building, Woodside House, could be used for sex offenders in future.

But councillors are recommended to approve the plans when they meet today.

A social worker who lives nearby has written to the council to complain that unsubstantiated "verbal scaremongering" is taking place about the sort of people who would be placed there.

The letter claims this could lead to hostility and rejection for prospective care home residents, which would make it difficult for them to settle into the community. Communicare NHS Trust, which would run the care home if plans are approved, says it would house up to six people in their 50s and 60s who pose no threat and have no history of sexual or psychiatric problems.

The trust states that it does not envisage ever using the house for people with "challenging behaviour".

Nearby residents have written to the council claiming they are worried for their children's safety and are frightened that people with severe learning difficulties would be roaming around their estate.

The objectors also point out that the site is shrouded in darkness because of trees, which they say could screen anti-social behaviour or conceal approaches to children.

Some residents claim there is not adequate fencing around the grounds and and have asked for strict security.

Others are worried that if planning permission is granted, the building could be used in future for sex offenders or criminals.

The council's development services committee seemed set to approve the plans today, without imposing any conditions on the type of person placed there.

The building is a semi-detached two-storey house currently used as communal housing for elderly people.

The proposals include creating sleeping space for care workers in a smaller building at the site.

The only planning condition which councillors are recommended to impose is that soundproofing should be built into party walls.

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