A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a new bail hostel in Blackburn town centre has won the backing of the Home Office.

Moves to open the hostel yards away from a youth club in Clayton Street and a junior school have been met with a storm of protest.

Campaigners had called on Blackburn MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw to back their fight against the new building.

But government officials have revealed the unpopular scheme will be fully supported by the Home Office.

The Government department has come up with the £460,000 needed for the project.

Opponents claim the hostel could be used to house sex offenders and would mean the end of the popular West End Youth Club.

But the campaign now looks likely to fail following a series of setbacks, including the latest announcement from the Home Office.

Andy Dineen, a spokesman for the youth club, said: "We are disappointed with the Home Office, particularly as there are child safety issues involved. "But we will continue to look at our options and we are currently taking legal advice about the possibility of a High Court review.

"The problem is funding, but we will do what we can to oppose this scheme."

The probation service have been looking for new premises in Blackburn because the current hostel in Preston New Road is starting to show signs of ageing.

Tough new standards introduced by the Home Office have also speeded up the search for a new site.

The original plan was to build on empty land in Sumner Street, near to Blackburn fire station.

But local people objected to the plan, claiming it would add to the area's problems of crime, drug abuse and prostitution.

The probation office then came up with the second option for the Blackburn with Darwen Council-owned land in Clayton Street.

Planning permission has also been given for the scheme, despite widespread opposition from residents, local businesses and youth club officials.

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