NEIGHBOURS have moved quickly amid fears that a university's old hall of residence could be let to former drug addicts and newly released prisoners.

People with homes around the former Ripon College campus had few objections when builders bidding to redevelop the site indicated their plans would include affordable homes.

However, when they discovered this week that the university's Owen House is now earmarked for socially assisted housing, they demanded an immediate meeting with local councillors.

At a hurriedly-arranged gathering in the town hall, 60 people were told that if the proposals are accepted, the building will be converted into 11 one-bedroomed flats, to be rented out by the Leeds Federated Housing Association.

Rosemary Kurlewis is among those who are yet to be convinced that tenants will not include ex-drug addicts or former criminals.

"I know these people need to be integrated back into society, but I don't think putting them together in one building will help them,'' she said.

"We moved here because we wanted a safe environment to bring up our children, but how can we be sure of that if these proposals go ahead? We have not been consulted on the change of plan. We have not been asked for an opinion, and yet it could have a significant impact on our lives.''

However, Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Bernard Bateman - who also attended the emergency meeting - has insisted neighbours will have an opportunity to express their views when the amended proposals go through the usual planning procedure.

"Nothing has been cut and dried,'' he said. "This project has not yet been given planning permission and will have to be approved by Harrogate Borough Council.''

However, Coun Bateman admitted he remained convinced, that overall, the redevelopment of the college would prove an asset to the city. "We should not forget that whatever happens to Owen House, it is only one strand of the story. Otherwise, the rejuvenation of the college is something we should be proud of,'' he said.