GAZETTE & HERALD: The opening of a new housing scheme for young people at Bleys House on Rowden Hill, Chippenham has been delayed by the Somer Housing Group at the request of residents in a bid to allay their fears about the project.

The delay was called for by residents at a meeting in March, to allow time for Somer to consult further with them.

The scheme at Bleys House will provide six homeless young people, male or female, aged between 16 and 21, with accommodation and support to prepare them for independent living in permanent accommodation.

"We recognise that for some young vulnerable people moving to independence can be extra difficult and challenging," said a spokesman for the Somer Housing Group.

"Bleys House will offer them a safe space in which to live and support them in practical ways such as budgeting, cooking, numeracy and literacy, training and education and emotional support.

"The support provided is designed to enable young people to enter into full time education or employment."

She said a letter was sent to a number of residents in March giving them the opportunity to visit other schemes managed by Bath Self Help Housing Association, part of Somer, to see how they work. They were also offered an opportunity to talk to neighbours of these schemes.

"Unfortunately, no one responded to this invitation," she said.

Next week another letter will be sent to the residents with further information on Bath Self Help Housing Association, which will be managing the scheme.

But residents John and Hazel Tilbury are still unhappy about the plans and expressed concern that no planning permission for the change of use of the building was required.

An excerpt from their letter, sent to the Gazette, said: "How can a family home be turned into a hostel for six homeless young people and that not be a change of use?

"We should have had the right of consultation with NWDC planning as to the feelings of the local residents before the project got off the ground."