Plans to re-house young people with mental health problems in a Tooting street have sparked safety fears among residents.

More than 70 people turned up for a meeting with the Pathway Housing Association after homes in Bickersteth Road were leafleted about the proposals.

Many residents believe the project for homeless 18 to 25-year-old Afro-Caribbeans recovering from mental illness will not be adequately staffed, leading to possible security issues.

And they have criticised Pathway for only leafleting 40 of the 350 homes in the area, claiming it tried to slip the plans through with minimum consultation.

Neil Walker, who lives next-door to the proposed block at 51-53 Bickersteth Road, leafleted all 350 homes about last week's meeting at the St Boniface Social Club.

He said: "At the meeting they didn't give us reassurance that there would be a minimum of two qualified staff on the premises, who would monitor patients' behaviour and medication.

"We are worried that the amount of care and supervision will be below the recommended minimum and want assurance staff would be able to prevent or cope with a crisis.

"I am happy with the project but have serious concerns about staffing and management.''

Fellow resident Richard Sharpe is also angry about the severe lack of consultation.

"The housing association did not put forward a convincing case and this is not a suitable scheme for a residential area," he told the News.

"Unfortunately they seem to think they can just foist it on us. I am fearful it could bring unwanted problems to the area.''

He said social services representatives at the meeting had tried to reassure them that all tenants would be assessed and supervised 24 hours a day, but residents remained unconvinced.

Keith Harrington, whose house backs onto the potential development, said he wanted assurance it would be run for the benefits of its residents and the community. "The meeting did not inspire confidence that the level of care provided would be sufficient.''

Ward councillor Pam Tatlow said the council was expecting further consultation with Pathway. "This is a housing scheme and not a hostel," she added, "There is no requirement to provide staff."

Colin Bascom, director of Pathway Housing Association, said: "At this stage we have begun the consultation process with residents. When we get around to staffing, we would ensure appropriately qualified and experienced staff are recruited."

Councillor Andrew Gibbons added: "Pathway has an important job in consulting the community. As councillors, we have tried to collect questions from people to present to Pathway formally. It is viable for those living nearby to hear what the project does involve and for Pathway to get the views of residents.''

November 16, 2001 11:32