Hundreds of banner-waving protesters gathered to campaign against controversial plans for the creation of a probation hostel in the Midlands.

Police were on hand because of the number of campaigners who congregated to voice their anger at the proposals to create the hostel at the former Moxley Infants School.

They met outside Moxley People’s Centre last night ahead of a behind-closed-doors meeting between the Staffordshire and West Midlands Probation Service and regeneration officials.

Police were called to help escort visitors into the building as residents blocked entrances and waved banners daubed with messages including: “No to the hostel” and “£30k drop in house prices”.

They also chanted in opposition to the plans while passers-by beeped car horns in support of their protests. Some councillors boycotted the private meeting saying their should be a full public discussion on the issue.

The SWM Probation Service has already insisted there will be a full consultation before a final decision is made. More than 3,000 residents have so far signed a petition against having a hostel for up to 40 offenders.

Among those at the protest was 74-year-old Bill Howell, of Margaret Road, who is worried it could impact on regeneration.

“It is a totally inappropriate site and totally inappropriate area,” he said. “Everyone in the area is incandescent with rage.”

Susan Steatham, aged 56, of Moxley Road, said: “I am just six doors away from the site. I am worried about the safety aspect and it will be a blight on the area. Property values will go down by a third if not more.”

Simon Doughty, aged 38, of Glyn Avenue, claimed: “It is absolutely disgusting how they could put it in a residential area where they know there are children.

“It is only a matter of time before one of them is going to offend again and it is the people of Moxley who are going to suffer.”

Councillor Paul Bott said: “This turnout shows the total opposition. People want to know who has chosen this site.”