Villagers’ fears over children’s home plans
Dec 4 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal
RESIDENTS in a popular commuter village are protesting about plans to house vulnerable children in their midst.
A company called Minster Homes (New Life) plans to house four youngsters, aged between 10 and 17, in a detached house in a cul-de-sac at East Farmhouse, Medomsley, near Consett, County Durham.
But neighbours have written to their local MP, Pat Glass, councillors and planning officers objecting to the scheme.
Retired college principal Alan Kent, 64, who lives with his wife Maureen in the cul-de-sac, said all his neighbours were against the proposal.
He explained: "Earlier this year, the property owners Minster Homes (New Life) had an application refused for an extension to the property. We now understand that they are proposing to re-open later this month as a four-place facility for youngsters with emotional problems and disturbed backgrounds.
"Apparently, they are youngsters requiring significant risk assessments and a high degree of specialist, trained supervision. However, subject to a risk assessment, we understand that they will be allowed out of the property.
"Our concerns are the security risk to the immediate area and Medomsley generally. The property is not designed as a secure facility, it was built as a private home. Our area of Medomsley is somewhat isolated and we have fears about the safety of ourselves, our properties and our grandchildren and other people who visit.
"We are a quiet cul-de-sac at the very edge of the village and we feel vulnerable to the implications of this proposal. Most of the people around here are retired."
Mr Kent added: "This property was originally approved as a home for people with learning and physical disabilities and the proposed change is quite a different operation. In addition the company at no time has communicated with us or considered the impact it will have our lives.
"We do not believe they are opening this facility for altruistic reasons. They are a profit-making company, not a charity."
Minster Homes (New Life) is part of Pathway Care, a nationwide-based foster care agency.
A spokesman for the agency said: "The property in Medomsley has been a registered care home for 17 years. We are simply altering the age group of the residents there, to give young kids who maybe haven’t had the best starts in life the breaks they deserve.
"While these youngsters may have emotional and behavioural difficulties they are not a risk to the public. If they were, they would be in a secure unit.
"People in the neighbourhood need not fear these children."
