Crime fears at flats plan for homeless in Wigan community

Developer The Heaton Group want to demolish the former St Peter’s Church and vicarage in Bryn and replace it with 28 one-bedroom apartments.

The homes would provide temporary supported accommodation to support people and families who are hit by homelessness.

But some locals are worried the Bryn Road site would attract heroin and crack cocaine addicts and leave the area crime and needle-ridden.

They are also concerned that children who play football and are involved with a nearby boxing club could also be put at risk.

Bryn councillor Steve Jones said he had been told residents living there will be those with the “worst and most complex” issues.

Coun Jones, who works with homeless people, said “a large amount” are addicted to heroin and crack cocaine, meaning they need a “constant fix”.

He said it has become obvious that the majority of residents are opposed to the development.

He said: “This will lead to crime and more scary needles at a site where we have kids football and not to mention the Brigade Hall where I myself run kids boxing club.

“It is also not solving the problem as these tenants can only stay for a few months and with there being no new council houses, I can’t see this solving the problem

“I believe a smaller amount of houses but with more bedrooms to help struggling families would be welcomed by the Bryn community.

“The estate on Nicol Mere will certainly take the brunt of this and will see their house prices fall, which is not fair. This could well affect our local businesses which are already struggling.

“It’s become more obvious that the majority of residents are opposed to this development, and therefore I will be doing everything I can to stop this going ahead unless changes are made that residents support.”

Ashton Labour council candidate Danny Fletcher also expressed concerns.

He said: “Without confirmation that this substance misuse supported housing project will be abstinence-based (illicit drug free) and with a drug-testing regime enforcing this policy, I personally will not be supporting the development.

“Without these two points I feel it could potentially set those residents up to fail and and have unfair repercussions for our community.”

But in a public consultation document submitted as part of the plans, The Heaton Group said the apartments have been developed to deter crime and provide a safe and secure environment for all future residents, visitors and staff.

The document reads: “The site layout ensures a high level of passive surveillance and overlooking is provided, particularly across the communal amenity space and car parking area.

“We have ensured the proposals will include for a secure parking and service area, low level landscaping, the ability to light the building externally without light pollution to others, strict security standards for all windows and doors, well-lit footpaths and good signage to deter unauthorised access.

The document said a management will provide a 24-hour response, seven days a week, to support residents to move on within the scheme and towards a future of independent living.