PLANS by a trust to set up a halfway house for young people has brought it in collision with nearby residents.

The Depaul Trust, which was set up by Cardinal Hume about 12 years ago, is planning to build three flats in Bishop Auckland where young people who may have left care or face homelessness can be reintegrated back into the community.

The proposed flats will be in Braithewaite Street and a house in nearby Princes Street will be converted into a house share for five young people from the local area aged between 16 and 25.

People living nearby fear it will result in offenders or trouble-makers moving into their community.

Yesterday, about 200 people packed into St Peter's Church hall and demanded that representatives from the trust and Three Rivers Housing, which are supporting the project, explained what the scheme entailed.

Speaking after the meeting, Alan Townsend, from Wear Valley District Council's regeneration department, said the plans should be discussed at January's regeneration committee meeting. He said they would take into account residents' comments.