NEW plans to build a homeless hostel in Bury town centre have attracted a fresh outcry from residents.

Objections are flooding in against the proposals by Manchester Methodist Housing Association (MMHA) to create a hostel and adjacent flats in Castlecroft Road.

Earlier this year, the association withdrew almost identical plans for Baron Street, Bury, following strong public opposition.

The new scheme, which will be voted on by councillors on Thursday (Nov 15), proposes to build the hostel on the site of the social services-run Castlecroft day nursery.

Labour's ruling cabinet has already provisionally agreed to sell the recently-closed nursery to MMHA for redevelopment. The association wants to build an 18-bed emergency accommodation hostel, plus a three-storey building of nine one-bed flats, on land behind the former Napier pub, now the Jewel in the Crown restaurant.

A petition of 89 names and six letters has already been lodged with the council.

Residents in nearby Irwell Street and Phoenix Street say the hostel will attract "undesirable elements" in an area where children play and old people live alone.

They also fear an increase in vandalism and break-ins by potential residents of the hostel.

Manchester Methodist say the 18 people living there would be referred by the council and voluntary groups. It would not be run as a drop-in centre, bail or parole hostel, and would not house the mentally ill.

There would be four members of staff on duty during the day, and two or three at night. Residents would have a maximum stay of 12 weeks, and given support and training to help them move into the community on their own. After that, they may move into the "move-on" flats with a lower level of support.

Mr Peter Bojar, the company's regeneration manager, said: "We hope that this location will be less sensitive."

Planning officers have recommended that the scheme be approved.

Thursday's planning committee meeting starts at 7pm in Bury Town Hall.