A LIVING hell awaits residents near proposed flats for homeless youngsters, according to those who reside near a similar project in the town.

Reports of youngsters carrying weapons, loud music and abuse being hurled at residents are just some of complaints from people living near the Stepping Stones project in Westgate, Burnley, who say their lives have been made a misery.

Two weeks ago police were forced to disperse more than a hundred angry protesters after controversial plans for flats for homeless youngsters at Spa Mill were given the green light by councillors.

Plans for the flats in Whittelfield with Ightenhill were passed despite heavy opposition from local residents.

More than 300 people living near the proposed site have signed a petition setting out their concerns about rising crime rates and falling house prices.

The scheme, by the West Pennine Housing Association and the Stepping Stone Project, is for 12 one-bedroom flats for young people aged between 16 and 24 on land at Junction Street in the Spa Mill area.

At the meeting Patrick O'Brien, of Rossendale-based Stepping Stone, said the development would not be a hostel but would provide accommodation for homeless youngsters for up to two years. He said there had been no reports of crime at the organisation's other project in the town.

But carer Heather Harrison, who looks after three people with learning difficulties at her family home in Westgate, says she has kept a diary of more than 30 incidents since February.

An urgent meeting has been arranged between Stepping Stone, police and the local residents to discuss the concerns.

Mrs Harrison, 55, said: "I fear for those people who will be living near the new flats because it has become a living hell round here and they are in for the same.

"Life is a nightmare and has got so bad that we have even considered moving, but why should we move when we haven't created any of the problems. I can understand why people in Ightenhill are so concerned about the plans. I am at the end of my tether."