RESIDENTS are furious after being landed with a home for people on bail on their doorsteps without any consultation.

The supported housing project has been set up at a property in Swansea Road, Llanelli.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman has said no one judged a danger to the public would be allowed to live there, or anyone who had a conviction.

But the home has angered residents living nearby, who said they were not told about it coming.

Town councillor Jan Williams said: "It's not a bail hostel, they are saying it's supported housing.

"I think it's terrible because people didn't know it was coming.

"The residents, naturally, are up in arms."

Llanelli MP Nia Griffith called a meeting over the supported housing.

She said: "There's great concern among local residents that current planning procedures mean they haven't been finding out when proposals for supported housing for people on bail, or who are tagged, are coming forward.

"I, as the MP, and Councillor Bill Thomas have demanded to see full copies of the procedures which the company involved says mean that you have to have a specific objection from the police.

Worried

Former Llanelli Mayor, Councillor John Jenkins, said of the supported housing: "I would be deeply concerned if they were just opening them without any consultation at all.

"If you live in a quiet residential street in your own home, and all of a sudden a bail hostel appears next door, it's going to ruin your peace of mind, and it's not going to make you feel safe in your own home.

"These things have to be dealt with sensitively and have to be in the right place."

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Bail accommodation prevents people who have not been convicted of an offence, who the courts have decided should be released on bail, from needlessly and unjustly being held in prison.

"They are not hostels, these properties are private accommodation maintained by a contractor — Stonham.

"Stonham is required to consult the police, probation and local authorities when acquiring new properties. No one with a conviction or current allegation of a sexual offence will be eligible.

"Those who pose an unacceptable risk to other residents, neighbours or any other person will also be excluded.

"The number of properties is determined by local need.

"The scheme aims to house people near to their place of work — so that they don't lose their job — and close to family and friends, where appropriate."

shaun.greaney@swwmedia.co.uk