Angry residents oppose children’s home which made life a “living hell”

ANGRY residents are objecting to a plan to use an end-terrace house at Penketh as a children’s home.

The property in Farnworth Road is currently vacant. But it was previously used as a children’s home between 2012 and 2020 – apparently without planning permission.

It was then used as supported accommodation for young people aged 16-18 until last year.
Now Warrington Borough Council is applying for planning permission for it to be used as a children’s home again. No alterations would be necessary to the building.
But according to neighbours, during the whole period it was in use it was a source of noise, general disturbance, and traffic issues.
One family claimed it had made their life a “living hell.”
“We are woken early hours of the morning with banging, loud music, doors being kicked in, windows being smashed. We have also been overrun with vermin due to the lack of upkeep of the property.”

A spokesperson for the objectors said: “It is totally the wrong location. Farnworth Road is absolutely not a suitable location for this kind of use.
“The property is located on a row of seven terraced cottages and all the neighbours are objecting. There are hundreds of other properties in more suitable areas and it is grossly unfair on residents in the vicinity, many of who are elderly to have to endure these disturbances.”

Neighbours say police are frequently called to the scene to deal with incidents such as theft of a carer’s car and staff being threatened with a knife.
One young girl attempted to take her own life as she hated being at the house.
Planning officers are now considering the application.