VILLAGERS are preparing to do battle once again to stop a farmhouse being converted into a centre for ex-offenders and former drug addicts.

More than 4,000 people signed a petition last year opposing the plan to turn Holme Farm, in Stainton Way, Stainton, into housing for 16 vulnerable young men.

Middlesbrough Council's planning committee rejected the proposals in August but charity Turnaround Homes is now appealing against that decision.

Councillor Yvonne Ellis said yesterday that residents of Stainton and nearby Thornton and Hemlington were still opposed to the plan and would continue their fight.

She said: "It's totally unbelievable that they are appealing. People now are getting so frightened about this situation.

"The concerns we had last time around have not changed. We have enough problems in this area with crime and drug use - we don't need any more.

"There are a lot of children in the village and families, and we just don't know who would be living there and how they would be supervised."

Councillor Maelor Williams said: "The main concern is that the vulnerable young men concerned are in some cases past drug users who might lapse and link up with drug suppliers in Hemlington and add to our drugs problem."

A resident who did not wish to be named said villagers had already met to discuss how to tackle the appeal. "We will fight this one to the bitter end," she said.

Turnaround Homes - which runs a similar facility in Leybourne Terrace, Stockton - has already housed three young men at the farm and residents admit they have caused no problems.

Turnaround founder Harry Wrigglesworth said the facility would be for homeless men aged between 16 and 25.

"It might be ex-offenders or recovering drug addicts or people with alcohol problems. It could be anyone who finds themselves in a predicament where they have nowhere to live," he said.

"There's a need to help young people who have problems to try to get their lives together. It's supported housing. Rather than see lads dead on the street we try to look after people."

Residents have until April 2 to oppose the appeal.