A Leominster hostel with a troubled history is to close.

South Street Hostel has accommodated up to five homeless families for many years since the era of the former Leominster District Council.

The three-storey building in substantial grounds could now be converted into flats, says Herefordshire Housing, a not-for-profit charity which owns 5,500 properties around the county.

Another nearby hostel - for young single homeless people - at the Old Library, South Street, is operated by a different organisation and is unaffected.

Herefordshire Housing chief Tony Jaques said the family hostel had "long been a source of concern to neighbours but has provided an invaluable source of temporary housing for local homeless people."

He added: "Having a large turnover of occupants does take its toll on a building.

"The cost of refurbishment has now reached a point where it is no longer cost-effective to bring it up to the standard that we consider acceptable.

"The council has also made it clear it sees no long-term future for this hostel.

"No definite decision has been made regarding the future use of the building, although it will continue to be used for affordable housing - most probably self-contained flats.

"As the only housing association operating solely within the county, it is important Herefordshire Housing maintains its strong association with Leominster."