A bail hostel for prisoners released early from jail - as well as suspects awaiting trial - has opened up in apparent secrecy in a residential street in Telford.
A bail hostel for prisoners released early from jail - as well as suspects awaiting trial - has opened up in apparent secrecy in a residential street in Telford.
The centre is one of around 150 across the country set up by a private company under a goverment contract intended to ease the pressure on overcrowded jails.
Neighbours in Crescent Road, Hadley, are furious that the scheme has been up and running for more than six months without any public consultation.
They say they have been left in the dark over the accommodation, operated by property management company, ClearSprings.
Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Justice say consultation with local residents and authorities must take place before setting up bail housing - but the rules only apply when there are six or more people living in the property.
According to Telford & Wrekin Council, the Hadley facility currently houses only three residents.
A spokesman for the council added that although it was not consulted on the plans, it believed residents living close to the property had been notified by ClearSprings of its intention to open up the bail facility. Neighbours say otherwise.
Councillor Denis Allen, cabinet member for community services said: “The Council has met with ClearSprings recently, together with the police and probation service, to ensure that they consult with the council in future so that proper consideration can be given to the implications of such schemes.
“The Council understands that ClearSprings has spoken to the property’s immediate neighbours who have been given a contact that they can use in the event of any problems such as noise.”
But local residents and councillors say that no such consultation has taken place.
Jackie Keay, who lives next door to the facility said: “I had no idea. It’s not right and it’s unfair because no one has come and asked us and anybody could be living next door.”
Steve Owuxu, who also lives in Crescent Road added: “We have had a lot of trouble coming from the property in the past but I didn’t know it was being used as bail accommodation.”
Chairman of Hadley & Leegomery Council Pat Smart said the “secrecy” of the scheme was “intolerable.”
“It doesn’t matter how many people are living in the property,” she said. “The fact is that we don’t know the nature of their offence and local people have a right to be protected. Hadley people are tolerant and accepting but they are entitled to be told what it is that they are having foisted upon them without their knowledge or consent.”
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice, speaking on behalf of ClearSprings, said: “Defendants who pose a risk to the public will continue to be held on remand. The service is not aimed at those who need continuous supervision.”
