David Irandoust and Valerie Burge, manager of the new children's home THE owners of a new children's home in Swindon say they have every right to be where they are in spite of a backlash from residents before the centre has even opened.

The home, which will have places for three 11 to 16-year-olds is officially opening on Monday but it has already received a frosty reception from its neighbours in Okebourne Park in Liden.

They say they don't want the children some of whom will have "challenging behaviour" to move into their neighbourhood.

Private firm Pro-active Care is behind the scheme. Spokesman for the company, consultant social worker David Irandoust said that he was disgusted at the attitude of residents.

One resident, who did not wish to be named but who has lived in the road for 15 years, said: "The children could be three 11 to 16-year-old teenage delinquents for all we know.

"They could have been kicked out of other areas and it's what they are going to attract to this area that we are worried about.

"There are a lot of people up in arms about this and there are two ways we could react to this.

"Either we could use a softly, softly approach and see how this works out. Or we could make a big song and dance out of this and hold up placards at the opening.

"We have seen a solicitor to find out what action can be taken. I will do anything I can to try to stop this house being used as a children's home."

But Mr Irandoust said: "The children have been put under the care of social services for various reasons. In some cases, their families couldn't cope with them.

"Some of them have been identified as being in a high-risk situation or have been abused so they have been put under a care order. Some of them are in there voluntarily.

"We cannot accept children with psychological problems and this is not a secure unit. But we do accept children with challenging behaviour.

"If there are people saying that they shouldn't come here because they don't have a family to care for them then I find that really sad.

"How can they say these children can't live here because it's a posh area. What's the difference between their children and these children? We can't just put these children in the middle of a field where nobody else lives.

"How can we teach them how to be a part of society and give them the opportunity to grow up if they don't live amongst other people."

He said he is not prepared to listen to the neighbours' concerns or to negotiate with them.

"I'm not going to sit down and talk to these people. They think they are precious and other people don't count. It's not right and it's not human."

Dorcan ward councillor Roderick Bluh said: "This is always an emotive issue which is difficult to comment on. These children have to go somewhere.

"Whether this is an appropriate place, I cannot comment on."