RESIDENTS fear a housing scheme for vulnerable young mothers could bring with it a range of problems including anti-social behaviour.

The Beth Johnson Housing Association is seeking planning permission to create a 23-bed building on vacant land off Havannah Street in Congleton.

The association said the project tied in with the overall supported housing strategy of the borough council, and provided a necessary service to vulnerable women.

However the scheme has sparked opposition from people living in Buglawton, who have put together a 41-name petition and sent nine letters of objection to the council.

They were concerned about what kind of women were going to be housed in the building, and what kind of problems and anti-social behaviour they might bring.

There was enough anti-social behaviour in Buglawton, they added, and claimed there was never any help from the police.

The site was not suitable for children being alongside the River Dane, they said, and the scheme would exacerbate the congestion in Havannah Street.

Buglawton Community Group is also opposing the scheme, and claimed that the site was contaminated with asbestos, which could pose a danger to residents if it was disturbed.

The association said the site was suitable for the project, and was within easy reach of the town centre.

Every effort had been made to ensure the design was safe and secure, it said, and the building would be eight metres from the top of the river bank.

Borough councillors are to discuss the scheme next Tuesday.