A PUBLIC meeting could be staged to address the concerns of residents after it emerged that convicted paedophiles and murderers could be living at a former bail hostel in North Yorkshire.

People living near the Southview Hostel, in Boroughbridge Road, York, were shocked to learn that it was now an "all-purpose" hotel, whose residents could be serving sentences for serious offences.

Most of the local community, including nearby Poppleton Road School, was not told that the change had been implemented on January 1.

Holgate councillor Liz Edge, who was not informed about the change, has agreed to organise a public meeting with representatives from the probation service and York MP Hugh Bayley.

"It will be an opportunity for people to get things off their chests," she said.

"Secrecy over matters such as this always bring problems. We need to discuss how we can learn from this and how it can be avoided in the future.

"I would hope the meeting can be held at Poppleton Road School."

Martin Murphy, North Yorkshire's assistant chief probation officer, said he would discuss Coun Edge's proposal with the probation board.

However, he said comprehensive risk assessments were carried out before people were admitted to the hostel.

"Offenders have to go somewhere. It's better they live in a hostel where they can be supported and watched," he said.