A CHURCH group which wants to set up a home for ex-offenders in Bolton has offered to speak to worried neighbours who fear it could cause a crime outbreak.

Residents from Park Road are campaigning against the plan to convert a house into six bedsits where ex-offenders will be assessed before being moved to permanent housing.

People in the area are furious that three years after a similar hostel, Westgate House, was closed, plans have been submitted for the new hostel.

Residents say many pensioners live in the area and they were plagued by 12 years of burglaries, vandalism, abuse and intimidation from the offenders at the former hostel.

One resident said: "I am worried about the safety of the residents and their carers.

"The last hostel caused a lot of problems and, when it closed, we all breathed a huge sigh of relief."

But The English Churches Housing Group says it is more than happy to discuss the plan with residents to try to allay their fears.

A spokeswoman said: "The plans are for a small well-run project which would only house people with on-going support by a range of staff including officers and key workers.

"We have run many other similar project successfully to support ex-offenders. We are very happy to respond to any questions local people heave and they can approach us directly and through the planning process."

The planning application relates to 173 Park Road and ex-offenders would live there short-term before moving to Bolton House in Chorley New Road, also run by the group.

English Churches Housing is one of the country's largest housing associations, providing affordable homes for more than 26,000 people who need specialist support.

Comments on the plans should be submitted in writing to the planning department at Bolton Town Hall.