RESIDENTS have won their battle to shut down a hostel which they claim is destroying their quality of life.

Householders in Joseph Street and around Stand Lane organised petitions and enlisted the support of MP Ivan Lewis against the hostel and its residents, believed to be substance abusers and recovering addicts.

The two-storey hostel, which caters for 16 residents, backs onto Joseph Street and was built ten years ago. Previously it was known as Rock House and catered for people with mental problems, but the local community successfully managed to get it closed down last year after a string of problems. However, earlier this year the building began operating as a hostel.

The owner of the hostel, who was unavailable for comment, had submitted a planning application for a change of use from residential institution to hostel. But planning bosses agreed with residents, who felt it was a threat to community safety, and last Thursday (Aug 31) the planning control sub-committee unanimously voted to reject the application.

Coun Barry Briggs said: "It is appalling that they place people in hostels prior to planning permission.

"We are dealing with very vulnerable people who clearly require specialist advice and support. A hostel is not suitable for these people and I feel people are just cashing in on their vulnerability and exploiting them."

Coun Denise Bigg commented: "There is already evidence of nuisance to neighbours and drug abuse around the hostel and I am concerned about the anti-social behaviour going on at that place."

Mr Lewis said he was delighted for the residents who had had their lives made miserable by the anti-social behaviour of the people residing at the premises.

Speaking of the planning refusal, he said: "Whilst this decision is welcome it is not the end of the story. We now have to establish the status of the premises and existing tenants prior to deciding on the next course of action."

Manager designate of the hostel, Mr Rian Von-Norten has hit back at the claims of the residents.

He said it is the residents of Joseph Street who play loud music at all hours and it was their children who jump through gardens.

"Several complaints were made about the hostel residents and these were dealt with almost instantly and those residents who were noisy were asked to leave," he said.

Mr Van-Norten added: "I interview all new residents and it is company policy that we don't tolerate drug abuse on the premises. If a resident is caught taking unprescribed drugs they are told to leave almost immediately, dependent on the lateness of the hour."