Hostel to allow criminals in

It has also been revealed that homeless people from outside Stafford will again be welcomed into the town to live in the new state-of-the-art facility.

Stafford's former hostel, the Bethany Project was forced to close, due to mismanagement and health and safety concerns, problems compounded by complaints by local people, supported by the police, over high levels of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour due to its lax entry policy.

Despite assurances that new "entry processes" will prevent these problems recurring, Mac McCoig, housing policy manager for Stafford Borough Council, has now admitted the hostel is likely to accept admissions from outside the area and could be home to people with criminal convictions.

In yesterday's Express & Star, Mr Macoig said: "The former Bethany Project was in a bad state, attracting people from all over the country, people who should not have been there.

"Entry processes at the new scheme will stop that happening. It will be a local facility for local people."

However, Mr McCoig today said:"If people who have left prison fit the criteria it is possible that they could move into the new facility. Facilities of this type will take referrals from out of the area as there are few of these units around.

"While Stafford has been without a hostel we have had to refer people to units outside the area and if every hostel took the view that they wanted just local people we'd be really stuck.

"We need to give and take.

"The criteria will be decided by a sub-group of the steering group leading on the project, but this hasn't gathered any pace yet. When the planning decision is made they will meet and thrash these out.

"They are expected to include risk assessments, previous occupancy and conduct in other places."

Local residents and councillors are appalled that the "criteria" will not be decided until after a planning decision has been made.

Chris Baron, councillor for Forebridge Ward said: "I was under the impression that entry was going to be very strict and that people would not be coming in from outside the area."

The hostel will be funded by a £1.8 million grant from the Housing Corporation, as well as cash raised by not-for-profit Housing Association Midland Heart through mortgages on other properties. Cash will also be available as grant from the county council.

Running costs will be paid through government funding body Supporting People and housing benefit paid to the tenants.

Homeless people staying in the "direct access" units are expected to stay for a maximum of six months and those in the 20 "moving on" units for up to two years. There are currently 50 registered homeless people in Stafford Borough, but not all will be eligible for places at the hostel.