HOTELIERS and traders are up in arms over a plan to convert Leominster's Old Library into accommodation for homeless young people. Residents could include ex-offenders and others who have battled with drug problems, writes PETE BLENCH.

Herefordshire Supported Housing Project for Young People is asking planners to give the green light for conversion of the disused and run-down council-owned building in South Street.

The scheme could involve the local Youth Service using the ground floor for activities. Upper floors would be used for living accommodation, including a communal lounge, for people in the 16-25 age group.

Residents may include people with mild learning difficulties, people with a history of non-violent mental health problems, those who have overcome alcohol or drug problems, ex-offenders (including those on probation), young disabled people and others leaving local authority care.

Many local businesses are calling for a rethink over the location of the project. The building is close to popular drinking and leisure venues favoured by the town's young people.

Rowdy weekend crowds swarming in the streets in the early hours, occasional street brawls and vandalism, already affect the neighbourhood.

"To put such a housing project into an environment like this is completely ridiculous."

Talbot Hotel manager Robert Cresswell said: "It's the wrong environment for the young people to come into.

"Everyone running a business or living nearby is opposed to this - the location is wrong and it could add to our problems."

He said hotel guests were frequently disturbed. Any worsening of the situation would further harm tourism.

Nigel Thomas of the Royal Oak Hotel said South Street was an unsuitable location for the worthwhile project. "I don't believe the policing of the project is a high as it might be," he added. There will be no resident supervisor.

Hereford-based project manager Dave Hider conceded: "There is a lot of fear and suspicion, but I don't honestly feel we are going to contribute to local problems.

"The young people we house are, in the main, quite normal but have often had a bit of a bad start in life."

He said local people at Whitecross Road, Hereford, were now 'on side' following the opening of a similar project there three months ago. It had been trouble free and would soon include a community computer suite, said Mr Hider.

Planners will be asked for their verdict on the Leominster scheme on October 24.