'We must find safe homes for our children...'

COMMUNITIES in Gateshead have been urged not to oppose the opening of new children's homes.

- By DANIEL HOLLAND

Council bosses have pleaded with residents not to stand against efforts to create new provision for the town's looked-after children, as they try to cut multi-million pound care costs.

Gateshead Council is forecasting an overspend of £4million on its children's care budget this year, with the local authority desperate to reduce the number of youngsters having to be placed in expensive, out-of-area homes.

Labour councillor Catherine Donovan told colleagues last week that children in the council's care needed to be "part of a community" in their home town, and should be welcomed by locals.

Plans to open new children's homes can often face opposition from neighbours, as was seen under proposals for one in Eighton Banks earlier this year, over concerns about noise, crime or antisocial behaviour, and fears that it could reduce property values.