OUTRAGED residents are fighting plans to house paedophiles and sex offenders just a few hundred yards from a children’s play area.

Bosses at the hostel want to extend their services to convicted sex offenders as well as to ex-offenders with mental health, mobility and substance abuse issues.

The centre, which does not restrict the coming and going of its residents, is also situated close to a preschool and public playing fields.

One parent said he was “shocked beyond belief”. Another said he would not be allowing his children to go out alone if it went ahead.

Director of offender management, Cath Magee, said the centre at Chatterton Hey House would work to stop sex offenders reoffending.

She said examples of those who could be placed there included people convicted of possession of child porn or rape of a child within their family.

But she added the facility would not be suitable for many ex-offenders and only a select few passing strict criteria would qualify to live there.

Up to 13 men could be housed at the Edenfield centre, run by The Langley House Trust, under the management of four members of staff.

Residents said they were shocked and outraged by the proposals, which they have vowed to fight.

Father-of-two Matthew Mead, who lives in Exchange Street opposite the play area and the centre said: “I am shocked beyond belief that it could even be considered to house child sex offenders so close to a children’s play area.

“During Chatterton’s open day one of the directors confirmed they were considering bringing in child sex offenders, which up until that point many people thought was a vicious rumour.

“The open day turned into a public meeting and many parents from the village made it very clear they did not want these type of people brought into our family-friendly village.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: “This proposal is ludicrous. How can children play out on the park if potential paedophiles are able to roam around?”

“I for certain will not be allowing my children out alone if this goes ahead.

“The whole village is against this and we are adamant we will do everything we can to fight this.”

The centre formerly operated as a drug rehabilitation centre for ex-offenders. The trust does not need the permission of an outside body to make the change but it is liaising with the probation service and police as well as residents.

If the plans go ahead, paedophiles and sex offenders from across the country could be eligible to live at the care home.

Edenfield ward Councillor Darryl Smith said: “I am without doubt against bringing sex offenders into Edenfield. Even though the Langley Trust did not lie to me I feel they were not completely truthful about the type of offenders they wish to bring into the village in early meetings I had with them.

“I will be helping to co-ordinate the village’s fight against the proposals.”

During the impromptu open day almost 80 residents attended the care home to voice their concerns.

Valley MP Jake Berry said: “I am urgently seeking to ascertain the facts surrounding the change of use of this facility and I am currently liaising with councillors Darryl Smith and Anne Cheetham on this matter.

“I have written directly to the Minister involved and will continue to monitor the situation.”

Mrs Magee said: “The Langley House Trust takes public protection issues very seriously. The aim of our project is to work and manage some of the most marginalised members of society.

“Our project will not be suitable for many child sex offenders and Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) offenders.

“Only a select few will who have been in prison for a long time, co-operating with their therapy, will be eligible for Chatterton Hey House. We are trying to create a calm therapeutic environment while tackling substance abuse among ex-offenders.

“We have taken on board the concerns of the residents and will be liaising with the police and probation service but making our final decision.”

A further meeting will take place on May 18 between The Langley House Trust, the police and probation service, where a decision will be taken over plans and the exact categories of offenders.