HOUSING officers have stepped in to address residents' fears over accommodation for the homeless.

The district council wants to convert a flat in Broadway, Colburn, into a four-bedroom unit, providing temporary housing for homeless families.

But local residents and businesses have expressed concern the unit would mean a repeat of the anti-social behaviour by previous occupants when the flat was a YMCA hostel.

In an effort to ease concerns, Colin Dales, housing unit manager for Richmondshire District Council, met residents and community leaders.

The council officer told the meeting of Colburn Town Council that measures would be taken to ensure the unit did not cause tensions within the community.

"At the moment we're experiencing a homelessness crisis," he said.

"We have a lot more people needing homes than we have accommodation for, and we're particularly desperate for temporary accommodation.

"A warden lives very close to the flat and so there will be more on-site supervision than previously.

"And while we can't rule out it being used to house single people, the unit will predominantly be used to provide accommodation for families or single parents with children."

Mr Dales believes this will reduce the potential for trouble on the site.

Colburn mayor Tom Henry said the meeting had helped to reassure residents.

Mr Henry said: "We were a bit concerned about who was going to be living in the unit.

"But Mr Dales has assured us the facility will be run a lot better under the control of Richmondshire District Council.

"We don't want anti-social behaviour in this area, which is the main focal point and meeting place in Colburn."

The new unit will be used as an extension to the existing homeless unit in Colburn.

The application to convert the flat will be discussed at a planning meeting on Tuesday, at 6.30pm in Swale House, Richmond.

The one objection to the plans has been made by the owners of a fast-food take-away underneath the flat.