Residents urged not to block homes for children

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

- 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 £4 million 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, potential crime or antisocial behaviour, and fears it could reduce property values.