VILLAGERS at Howe Bridge have launched a campaign to keep 'undesirable' residents out of a proposed homeless housing scheme.

And next Tuesday (Sept 1, 7pm) a protest/information meeting will have details of the 24 unit on the former Briarcroft site spelled out to them.

But many villagers are already preparing ammunition for the meeting fearing drunks, drug addicts, paedophiles will be their new neighbours.

A spokesman for the residents says English Churches Housing Group, who are behind the scheme have a reputation for housing people with 'unsociable behaviour'.

"The main concern in all this is that the development plans are next to a scout, guide and brownie hut which is used throughout the week and also by a daily playgroup and dancing classes.

"And it's almost opposite a primary school.

"Bringing the type of people we expect to the housing scheme will have a dramatic and disastrous effect on village life. We don't want people who are drug-dependent, alcoholics or people with an offending history."

Local councillor Sue Loudon, who will be at the meeting along with planning and housing officers and a representative from ECH, asked people to come along with an open mind and then decide on the issue.

"Some people have already made up their minds and I am quite surprised by those people and some of the things I have heard them say," said Cllr Loudon.

She added that the units would be for local homeless and people who do not need 24-hour supervision.

"They will not be people in care or in need of care support," she said.

Already Cllr Loudon has received strong letters of opposition to the scheme.

"I am aware that people believe a whole range of people will be moving in from alcoholics, to drug-users and paedophiles."

Cllr Loudon met ECH this week to discuss the plans.

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