A paranoid schizophrenic threatened to arm himself and hold Southend Council officials hostage, it was revealed today.

Labour's Reg Copley spoke of the terrifying ordeal as planners considered proposals for a new community care home in Southend.

He said four councillors and three members of staff were sat in a closed Civic Centre meeting when the unnamed man went "over the top".

Mr Copley, member for St Luke's, said: "He threatened to hold an officer hostage and introduce firearms into the meeting at some stage."

Though Mr Copley stressed he was not against anyone with mental illness, he said the incident fuelled concerns over plans to build a new six-bed home at the back of Christchurch Road.

Councillors were told the building would accommodate six people, aged between 58 and 72, who may suffer from long-term mental health problems, including schizophrenia.

Applicants Bailey Housing Association said: "It is anticipated that this will be a home for life unless or if their care needs should change.

"The residents will only be selected following a detailed process of assessment regarding their suitability to live, with support, in the community."

Labour councillor Mike Royston told members he was sympathetic to the aims of the home, but stressed public safety must be paramount.

However, Tory councillor Verina Wilson said stringent checks would be made by social services and the health authority to make sure every resident was suitable to live in the community.

Tory leader Charles Latham said councillors were limited in their powers and could only turn down an application of this type on planning, not emotional grounds.

Even though two petitions and a series of letters bombarded the council opposing the scheme, councillors backed the bid by seven votes to four.

Assurances were given by Bailey Housing Association that the home would be staffed 24 hours a day.

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