AROUND 50 residents attended a meeting last night held to dispel rumours surrounding a proposed boys' care home in Darwen.

And qualified social worker Pauline Ainsworth, who has submitted plans for the terrace house in Whitehall Terrace, stressed that the boys housed at the private children's home would not be young offenders.

She has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council to open a private children's home which would cater for four teenage boys who have been in local authority care.

But many neighbours have objected to the proposal because they believe it would lead to anti-social behaviour in the Whitehall area.

The meeting, at Spring Vale Church, in Watery Lane, was attended by Phil Hambly, police community beat manager for Whitehall and Sudell wards, council planning officials and an independent childcare worker.

Mrs Ainsworth said: "There have been some people who have refused to listen but I hope that I have managed to allay some fears.

"They were quite a few people at the meeting supporting the home, as well as those opposing it and I found that quite reassuring.

"I have told people that if and when the home opens I want to work with the community not against it.

"I want these children to feel part of the community and not have them feeling isolated and that's why I want to get the community involved."