Petition against hostel

3:00pm Monday 10th March 2008

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A PETITION has been launched against plans to open a small bail hostel in Vange.

On Friday the Echo revealed housing association Clearsprings was looking at ten possible properties across Basildon for hostels.

Basildon Council believes it has already bought 16 Kent View Road, which was repossessed from it was former owners.

The Ministry of Justice has asked Clearsprings to set up hostels across the country and claims it only needs to find space for three defendents, or convicts, in Basildon.

Luke Mackenzie, Tory candidate for Vange ward at the forthcoming local elections in May, has launched the petition amid fears it would bring criminals into the community.

He said: "This is effectively the Government putting a mini prison in Vange.

"The petition calls on the Government to reject the plan for Kent View Road.

"This is another case of Labour putting criminals before decent law abiding citizens."

The proposed hostel will house homeless criminals awaiting trial, and those released early from prison. Mr Mackenzie added: "This could mean burglars, muggers and drug dealers."

He has spoken to people in the area urging them to back the petition. Neighbours were alarmed by the news.

A young couple, who own their own home very close to the proposed site, but who asked not to be named, were outraged.

They said: "We have been here four years and it has been great.

"We own it, so can't just move away.

"There are probably some dodgy people living around here already, but that doesn't mean you want a house full on your doorstep. It will probably devalue the house."

Billericay MP John Baron has written to Justice Minister Jack Straw urging him to reconsider.

He said: "I question the level of support these offenders are going to receive once they are released into the community.

"These people need help to re-habilitate, but this appears not to have been taken into account."