Troubled children will not thrive in a sleepy community, according to a villager.
Gina Inman has spoken out against the proposed children’s home in Everton.
Applicant, Debbie Bavister, is seeking planning permission to change the Potton Road residence from an adults’ residential care home to a children’s residential care home. The home would house up to five children between 10 and 16 years of age.
They would have emotional and behavioural difficulties.
But Gina, who has collected a petition of 137 signatures, has said that Everton is the wrong place for the home.
She said: “It’s a care home for teenagers who’ve passed through all the possible ways to look after them.
“They are the most severely challenged children. Somebody needs to be realistic about what it is and not idealistic.”
Villagers voiced their opinions at a meeting with Debbie Bavister on Wednesday, November 21.
Gina, of Sandy Road, added: “The residents of Everton are very concerned that there is absolutely nothing to entertain children of this age. There is no youth club, scouts, skatepark, corner shop or any amenities.
“Every child deserves a chance but sleepy, rural Everton will not give them that chance.”
The lack of activities is not a problem for locally schooled children, she said, because they are able to attend after school clubs but many of the children at the care home will not go to mainstream schools.
Gina will speak out at Central Beds Council’s planning meeting.
Debbie Bavister said: “I am confident that as part of the planning process and after meeting with the residents of Everton last Wednesday any concerns and questions have been answered.”
Do you agree with Gina? Email letters@biggleswadechronicle.co.uk