The hostel in Green Street, Ryde.
ANGRY Ryde people have called for action against drunk residents of a new hostel just yards from their homes.
More than 20 householders from Green Street and Station Street in the centre of Ryde voiced a catalogue of complaints against the new Salvation Army Fellowship House hostel, which has only been open for a few weeks.
The Salvation Army said it was working hard to get the new hostel for 25 people running smoothly and wanted residents to bring their concerns direct to management.
Residents, whose initial objections were overruled by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee that allowed it to be built, told a meeting of Ryde Town Council on Monday their fears had been justified.
"Management appear to have no control over these residents," householder Val Austin told the meeting.
She said drunk hostel residents who were refused admission caused disturbance on the street. Householders were subjected to four nights of noise in a row, she said.
Cllr Ian Stephens said: "Police, social services and the Salvation Army are working together to try to move this forward and senior social services officers are prepared to meet nearby residents."
Insp Bill Pinnell said: "Last week I went to the hostel three times and spoke to the manager and I have spoken to the head office too, telling them quite clearly about how they should be managing the centre."
Sgt Steve Goodier said: "If drunks are refused entry to the hostel and they cause problems, we must be told about that. If there is a fear of crime, people should dial 999 and people will be taken off the street.
"I understand a couple of hostel residents have already been asked to leave. My personal view is they have got some teething problems at a centre that caters for people who can be helped."
Salvation Army’s divisional commander, Lt Col Graham Owen, said: "We circulated a letter to hundreds of nearby homes prior to the recent open day and continue to encourage our neighbours to speak to us directly, should there be any concerns about the centre or the conduct of its residents.
"We have asked for all concerns raised to be sent to us and we will liaise with the council and the police on any issues arising as part of our ongoing work with them."
Police said this week they had stepped up patrols in the area.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk