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A row has erupted over controversial plans to turn a defunct bank into supported housing for vulnerable teenagers, amid fears it will add to a seaside resort’s “crime wave.”

Over 100 residents in Withernsea have submitted objections to a proposal to convert the former Natwest Bank in Queen Street into accommodation for 16 to 21 year olds.

Many worried residents believe there are enough “trouble makers” and “feral youths” in Withernsea already.

In comments posted on East Riding Council's planning site, Michael Daley said: “In a town of our size we do not have the things to keep 16 to 21 [year olds] active and out of trouble.

“At the moment we have major problems with crime and drugs with a very small police force.

(Image: Google Maps)

"Bringing 16 to 21 [year old] kids here will only cause more local problems.”

Matthew Cook said: “I object to the development of this building for the purpose of housing 16 to 21 year olds because of the vagueness of who these young will be, their background and where they are from.

“Withernsea has a big enough problem handling the current feral nature of local youth. Cut the secrecy and treating the local populous like mushrooms and there might be more warmth towards redevelopment ideas.”

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The 'crime wave' in Withernsea

Amanda Robinson believes an “under policed” Withernsea is already experiencing a “serious crime wave”, and many have raised concerns about the proposed development's location.

Queen Street is the main road which runs through Withernsea and the former bank is surrounded by newsagents, pubs and takeaways.

Neil Taylor, owner of Itzy Bitzy in Queen Street, said this kind of development in the town's commercial area is unsuitable and has raised fears about the impact it could have on traders.

He said: “There are five well used and noisy public houses in close proximity to the premises. There is an off licence and retail convenience store next door open until 11pm every day. The application if passed would split the commercial area.

“Withernsea has its fair share of criminals and drug takers. Not the best examples to the young people when they mixing within the community.

“In my view crime would rise and being a local businessman with two outlets in central Queen Street, I will certainly have to consider closure of both outlets if the change of use is granted.

“Indeed myself and my wife's businesses have suffered in the past from antisocial behaviour caused by the supposed reintegration of young offenders at the now closed Baintons premises. We moved both businesses because of the said behaviour.

“If this was allowed to happen again we would strongly consider moving ourselves and our bushiness' to a location away from Withernsea.”

It’s not just residents who are up in arms about the plan, which wants to provide accommodation for six children who are more likely to display “challenging” behaviours.

(Image: Jerome Ellerby)

Humberside Police have also submitted a formal letter of objection, with Inspector Phil Hinch concerned about the prospect of vulnerable people mixing with criminals in Withernsea.

Insp Hinch, who is in charge of community policing in Beverley and Withernsea, said: “My concerns are of the location of the proposed development within the town centre and its close proximity to the public houses.

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“There is a potential risk of additional flash points as intoxicated late night revellers leave the public houses coming into contact with the young people.

“There has been previous incidents of antisocial behaviour and violence within the locality, matters of which the police and partners are continually working to tackle.

Watch: The squalid flats in Withernsea making residents' lives hell

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“To place vulnerable young people into an already high risk area is inadvisable, thereby increasing the possibility of them becoming involved in associated offences or having their own fears of being victims of crime themselves.

“The change of use of the property to supported living accommodation in this area has the potential for an increase in crime and disorder within a community which has historically suffered problems with drug related crime and antisocial behaviour.

“There are concerns that the work already carried out in the area by the police and partnership agencies to combat the level of crime and disorder could be undermined and place vulnerable young people at risk.”

A controversial appeal

Although the proposal has been rejected by East Riding Council’s planning committee, the applicant – Michael Junaid – is appealing to the Planning Inspectorate.

In the application, Mr Junaid, who is based in Northampton, says the accommodation will provide a “secure environment” for young people who will live in individual bedrooms.

The application says: “The accommodation will be a small unit specialist accommodation with the aim to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and experiences which will help them to accomplish their ambitions.

“The home will mainly provide short, medium to longer term Care and Educational Support in a homely, settled, stimulating and safe community based living environment, developing independence, communication and social skills alongside building confidence and self-esteem in order to realise their potential and to enable them to experience success and achieve their goals.

“The young people will receive Specialist Services and advice, treatment and other services provided by our health team, including specialist and complementary health services; and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) support for psychiatric, psychological and neurological issues.”

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