PEOPLE in a County Durham village fear a former nursing home will be turned into a hostel for asylum seekers.

A planning application to change the use of the Appletree Nursing Home, in Frederick Street North, Meadowfield, has been lodged with Durham City Council.

The application, by G and J Houghton, of Gateshead, gives no detail of what kind of hostel is proposed. But villagers believe the home, which has been empty for two years, will be used for refugees.

Residents, who asked not to be named, contacted The Northern Echo after learning of the planning application.

One, from the nearby Meadow Green estate, said: "Rumour has it that it will be for refugees. There were stories that it could be a bail hostel.

"Apparently, a shop on Front Street has already agreed to take vouchers for food from refugees.

"Rumour has it that the building has already been bought. We are extremely concerned. This is a residential area and we'd be concerned about whatever kind of hostel was proposed.

"When you hear what has happened elsewhere at refugee hostels, this just wouldn't be suitable in this area. Possible crime and vandalism is a big worry.''

Another resident said: "The council sent letters to people in the immediate vicinity, but they should have informed a wider area about something like this.

"People are worried that the value of their homes could go down.''

Local Labour councillor Margaret Adair said: "All the planning application says is hostel.''

Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Ormerod said: "All I know is that there is an application to turn it into a hostel.

"We have to wait for more information on what that means. Obviously, it is a concern what type of hostel it would be.''

A council spokeswoman was unable to give any more information on the plans but said the council had sent letters to 100 residents, posted signs at the site and taken a newspaper advertisement to publicise the application.

Durham Police are also being consulted on the application but are awaiting further information.

Neither the applicants nor their architects could be reached for comment.