ANDOVER'S Junction Road residents are up in arms over plans to provide housing for the homeless.

Sarsen Housing Assoc-iation wants to convert two large houses into a hostel to accommodate 14 people.

But many residents are against the proposal because there are already buildings of a similar nature in Junction Road and Sarsen is currently developing a Foyer, which will provide housing and advice for young people and an internet cafe.

One resident who wants to remain anonymous said she moved from a council estate to give her child a better life.

"We have to work for a living, why can't they? Why do we have to pay for them to live in a nice house and a nice area," she added.

Another resident who moved to Queens Road recently said: "It is so quiet here. The hostel will be at the end of our road.

"It does not seem fair to have so many down one street. We love the area but if we had known we would not have moved here, " she added.

Concerns have also been raised over parking in an already busy area.

Another resident who wrote to the Andover Advertiser said: "Surely it is too near to town were some individuals might buy drugs or alcohol or commit theft."

But Philip Mackie, media and publication manager for Sarsen Association said: "The proposal is to provide shared accommodation for people, mainly families with young children.

"They will be people deserving help. We are providing a roof over their heads and people will be on hand to give them advice."

Spokesperson for Test Valley Borough Council, Christine Brown added: "In a bid to improve provision of temporary accommodation for homeless families with children in the Andover area, in line with government guidance, the council has been in discussions with Sarsen Housing Associa-tion for some time.

"Draft proposals to convert two detached houses in Junction Road to meet this need are now being considered," she added.

The proposal is due to go before Test Valley Borough Council's planners.