PLANS to open children's homes in Great Harwood and Rishton have come under fire from worried residents.

Applications have been submitted to convert two houses in Moss Street, Great Harwood, and a property in Lord Street, Rishton, into homes for youngsters who have been abused.

People living close to the three terraced properties - which will each house two children aged between 11 and 18- are against the plans, saying that the chosen houses are totally unsuitable.

But applicant Tony Capewell, of Unlimitedcare Ltd, said residents had nothing to fear and he hoped the homes would be able to provide the loving environment that the youngsters needed.

A total of 10 residents from Lord Street have lodged letters of objection and more are expected to be submitted. They believe the area is not suitable for vulnerable children and that staff at the home will create parking problems in the street.

Dorothy Machill said: "It's just not a suitable site. We have drug problems in Spring Street and these are kids who have been abused and are vulnerable.

"The houses are too small and have no gardens. Also, we have no recreation facilities in the area for youngsters.

"I love children but I just don't think this is the right place for them."

Margaret Swindlehurst added: "We have problems with juvenile nuisance anyway. If you go out after 6pm there are always gangs of youths hanging about and these kids are vulnerable."

Mrs Annette Oddie believes the property is not big enough. She said: "It's a quiet street which has always been nice and we just don't want that spoiling."

Residents in Moss Street expressed similar concerns and complained they had not been given enough information about the proposals.

Karen Anderson said: "I am not happy about it. I feel sorry for the kids and I know they have got to go somewhere but this street is just not suitable.

"They are talking about 11-to-18 year olds.

"There's a lot of little kids living in the street and in the summer lots of children play on the grass. You just don't know what to expect from such youngsters."

But Mr Capewell believes the homes will allow the children, who have been abused both emotionally and physically, to live in a caring environment and to familiarise them to normal living.

He said: "What I am doing is something I have always wanted to do. I am trying to give them love and care and get them back to a normal situation. There will be two care workers in the houses at all times and the children will not go out without them. They will not be allowed to roam the streets.

"I don't think anyone has any need for concern. The idea is to protect the children and to create an environment where they can be accepted by society."