Residents 'terrified' about homeless shelter plans

Elderly residents have said they will be "terrified" to leave their sheltered accommodation if plans to convert a former pub into a new homeless centre are approved.

People living at Saddle Court in Wigan said a charity's bid to convert the nearby Queens Arms into temporary accommodation would exacerbate existing anti-social behaviour problems in the area.

Anti-poverty charity The Brick wants to transform the disused pub near the town centre so that it can house up to 14 people transitioning out of rough sleeping. The new centre would replace its current shelter.

The Brick's planning application will be considered by Wigan Borough Council.

A petition has been launched by a resident on nearby Bridgewater Street, which claims the facility would create "increased anxiety among residents".

One sheltered accommodation resident Rose Parkinson, 79, said that while people living there had nothing against the homeless, they had been left feeling "frightened and vulnerable".

Pat Meadow, who lives in a ground floor flat opposite the pub, described the plans as "awful".

The 77-year-old said she was now frightened to open her windows.

Sylvia Carrier, 85, said: "I think it's disgusting that they are trying to do this."

Another resident, 71-year-old Sandra Reade, said: "It's a worry because I've just lost my husband. In my eyes, this is more frightening.

"I'm really anxious and nervous."

Tommy Foster, 83, has been living at Saddle Court for two years.

He also said he was worried about what may happen if The Brick's application is approved by councillors.

The Brick wants to replace its existing Brick Works building on Hodson Street, which offers daytime support for people sleeping in Queen's Hall Night Shelter.

It said the Queens Arms building would secure the future of its vital service in the town.

The charity also supports those experiencing homelessness through drug and alcohol addiction problems.

The Brick said the accommodation would house homeless single people with "medium support needs" who have become homeless for a variety of different reasons.

It said the site would have appropriate clinical spaces and shower facilities, and be staffed by an independent living mentor 24 hours a day, every day.

Councillor Pat Draper said she would oppose the plans, arguing they were not being made in an "appropriate" place.

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