A CONTROVERSIAL residential home for people with mental health problems has opened.

Local residents had expressed concerns about the plan to turn the former Queensmead residential home in Greens Lane, Hartburn, Stockton, into a home for adults.

The home had previously been restricted to elderly people with mental health problems, but the newly-named Melbourne Lodge will welcome people aged 18 to 65.

Some local people had raised fears of dangerous people or sex offenders being offered places at the home, but they are now being invited in to meet residents and see the work going on.

Officials have said that the home will not house anyone with a history of sex offending, and all residents will be policed by social services and the health authority before being admitted.

Yesterday, the home was opened by the Mayor of Stockton, Terry Bean.

Manager Lynne Dennis said: "We are trying to get local people to come into the home, not just today but in the future.

"There was a little bit of unrest when the home was proposed, but we want to show people that they have nothing to fear.

"We will be happy to show people around."

The home aims to rehabilitate mental health patients, with the ultimate aim of reintroducing them into the community.

Up to 18 people will stay at the home and, depending on their particular problems, they will receive counselling, support and instruction in basic skills such as managing money and cooking.

Illnesses dealt with will include depression and breakdowns.

Mrs Dennis said: "We will get out into the community and use all the facilities available to us in Stockton and neighbouring towns.

"We would like to get some of our residents on courses at the local college."

Staff at the home, run by Care UK, believe they are offering a much-needed service to the local area.

Mrs Dennis said: "Staff will work with people at whatever level of care they need to help them achieve new things.

"They can stay as long as they need, but the ultimate aim is to get them back into the community. There was nothing like this in the area before we came along."