The residents of Francis Court in Ryhall fear the move could have a serious impact on their lives if plans are given the go ahead.

And they also think other villages could be affected by similar schemes in the future.

Space at Beckworth Court in Empingham is already used by homeless families.

The warden's house at the sheltered housing complex in Rutland Way has been empty since 1996 and now Rutland County Council wants to use it for homeless families on a short-term basis.

Francis Court residents and the parish council have voiced their concerns and will meet the council and staff from Spire Homes, which manages the sheltered housing, next week.

Chalky White moved to the complex with his wife seven years ago from London after the council there came up with a similar idea.

He said: "We had guarantee after guarantee that no unacceptable people would move in but before long there were people smashing windows, kicking the doors down, drinking and leaving stolen cars outside.

"Francis Court is for elderly and disabled people who have come here to spend the last part of their lives in peace and quiet. We are not going to get that if the council agrees to this idea."

The three-bedroom house is linked to the sheltered housing complex but has stood empty for years because the warden now lives off site. A door into the complex would be bricked up and new access installed but residents fear the families would be able to get to the garden and laundry rooms, removing their peace and privacy.

Resident Brenda White said: "We are not unsympathetic to homeless people but we have to be careful about who uses this house.
"What is planned for Francis Court could be replicated throughout the county at other sheltered units."

But Rutland County Council and Spire Homes have defended their plans, claiming tenants would be carefully considered before being allowed to move in.

County council leader Roger Begy said: "There are a great number of misunderstandings with regards to the word homeless and in this instance it is not people sleeping rough.

"It is those who cannot maintain payments on their mortgage because of unexpected employment, someone leaving a home because of domestic violence or someone who is evicted by a landlord who wants to sell the property.

"With full assessments and conditions attached, the council is confident that this idea at Francis Court is workable."

Katy Sagoe, director of housing services for Spire Homes, added: "This accommodation will not be used to house people with problems such as alcohol and drug related issues."

Spire Homes staff will attend a parish council meeting on Wednesday July 23 at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall in Ryhall to discuss the issue.