A NEIGHBOURHOOD is voicing protest against plans to convert a three-bedroomed home on their estate into two one-bedroomed flats.

Residents on Holly Avenue, in Newton-le-Willows, contacted the Star to express alarm at plans by Helena Partnerships to convert the property.

"We don't want it to go ahead," said Ernest Villiers, 60.

"I don't think it's fair that they are sacrificing a nice three-bedroomed semi-detached house turning it into flats in between these private houses.

"With one-bedroom flats you're more likely to get youngsters in there. We've had problems with neighbours before and nobody ever gets evicted.

"One of my neighbour's concern is the living room to the upstairs flat being next to the bedroom.

"I feel other people should be aware of what can happen. This is a row of houses all of a sudden they want to sandwich flats there. Who wants to buy a house that is attached to a council house?

"I'm sure they could find a family to move into it rather than turn it into flats. There's also a chance that the insurance may go up."

Ivor Goodban, 63, who also lives on the street added: "We all know that if this goes ahead, the problems it can cause.

"We've got the majority of residents to sign a petition and 11 letters of objection have gone in."

The plans which were submitted to St Helens Council by Helena remain on public consultation until May 29.

When the Star contacted Helena about the issue, investment manager Chris Morris said: “The government’s welfare reform agenda has had a huge impact on our customers.

"We’ve seen a decline in the numbers of customers seeking three bedroom homes and a significant increase in the demand for one-bedroom homes.

"As a social landlord it is our responsibility to address housing need and in many areas, including Newton-le-Willows, this means providing smaller properties at an affordable rent enabling customers to remain in the area of their choice.

"Completed conversions of three bedroom homes to form two one-bedroom flats have proved very popular with customers and are just one of the ways that we, at Helena Homes, are committed to meeting housing need across the borough.”