A HOSTEL that houses sex offenders, murderers and other dangerous crooks, could be moved from Basildon.

The Essex Probation Service has agreed to consider moving the controversial Felmores bail hostel if a suitable alternative location can be found elsewhere in Essex.

The news gives fresh hope to worried residents and campaigners, who want the hostel moved to safeguard their children.

Tory councillor Andrew Baggott made the announcement at a meeting with about 25 residents, at Northlands Park Hall in Pitsea, alongside police.

He said: “The view of the probation service was if an alternative location can be found, it wouldn’t be unwilling to move.

“Our view at the council is not only should this not be in Felmores, it shouldn’t be in Basildon.”

A final decision on where the hostel could go will be made by the Ministry of Justice and probation service. Mr Baggott said Basildon Council has begun exploring options for the possible relocation of the hostel.

He also revealed the probation service has asked residents living near the bail hostel to form a small community group, so they can keep it up to date.

The news was what long-suffering residents, who have lived near the bail hostel for years, have been waiting to hear.

Several residents have formed a campaign group to get the hostel shut down after one of the inmates, convicted sex offender Dean Freeman, 24, sexually assaulted a boy aged seven in Basildon town centre in April.

The Echo has joined forces with Basildon MP Stephen Metcalfe to get sex offenders removed from the hostel.

Campaigner Leanne Clark, 40, of Devlins, Pitsea, said: “We want the hostel shut down, we don’t want it here.”

The Essex Probation Service was not invited to the meeting, but met Mr Baggott privately.

Mary Archer, chief executive of Essex Probation, said: “It was useful and helpful to meet with Mr Baggott. No doubt we will take our discussions further.”