RESIDENTS are fiercely opposing plans to turn a former police station into a hostel for released prisoners.

A planning application has been received by St Helens Council seeking to change of use of the vacant building at 389 Sutton Road, Sutton into a 13-bed HMO with training and counselling room.

The application was received on January 4, which claimed the report has been prepared "in conjunction and recommendation of the St Helens Borough Council".

Numerous objection letters have already been submitted by residents against the plans.

Proposals state: "The property will consist of 12-bedroom high quality accommodation for providing a home for adults either leaving prison for low level crimes or who are in a transition period and who find themselves homeless."

They add there will be a "communal and kitchen area" for tenants to relax and explore benefits of nutrition and "healthy eating on a budget", a training room/computer suite to help equip tenants with life skills including "communication, reflection and money and me amongst other sessions".

There will also be a CBT counselling room for people requiring "additional support" and to address behaviours preventing them to move, to encourage healthy lifestyles and focus on health and wellbeing.

Plans say there will be two part-time employees at the site.

One resident of nearby Morris Street, who contacted the Star, said: "We've already got problems with drugs and break-ins and scrambler bikes around here. There are residents who have had enough.

"The rehabilitation centre is only going to be manned by two people. We don't know what these people have done and if there's only two part-time staff who's going to mind them when there's nobody there?

"There's supposed to be houses to be built in this area. What's the chance of development coming if this comes into the area? It's going to have a big impact.

"The people I've spoken to who live here permanently are up in arms and some are talking about moving if this goes ahead. As far as I'm concerned this is a forgotten area."

One objection letter said: "The use of this property as a hostel introduces a diverse element that by reason of the use is likely to result in noise, disturbance and nuisance to the detriment of the neighbours' residential amenity".

Another added: "The facility will be opposite a local pub, in close proximity to several primary schools, local businesses, a listed building not to mention areas that already endure a high crime rate. I in no way support this application".

A St Helens Council spokesperson said: "A planning application has been received and will be considered. The council cannot stop applications being submitted but we always encourage objectors to submit their objections to the council.

"The council has not made any recommendation in relation to this application."

Plans are on consultation until Monday, January 30.