A HOMELESS shelter is blighting a leafy Colchester street, residents claim.

Householders in Creffield Road have called on Colchester Council to get tough on tenants at its emergency shelter.

The shelter offers temporary housing for people waiting for a permanent home.

Neighbours have complained about noise and rubbish.

One Creffield Road neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “There is so much noise.

“There are regular rows on my doorstep, and when they go out they shout all the way down the street.

“I’m concerned for my safety, and I’m sure it takes pounds off the value of houses in this street.”

Another resident said: “I’m scared of them.

“We have had the police in the garden trying to arrest a resident.

“We have experienced aggressive language when we are out in the street.

“There is a general feeling of uneasiness which we have not had before.

“There needs to be some real control or the council needs to take it out of this residential area.

“I know everyone says ‘not in my back yard’, but it isn’t fair that residents of this street, particularly the elderly, should have to put up with it.”

Nick Cope, borough councillor for Christ Church ward, said Colchester Council had issued an eviction notice to one tenant and had promised to carry out regular patrols of the area.

He said: “It would be best for the residents if it was moved somewhere more appropriate.

“The council has responsibility to these homeless people, but as a councillor I see my prominent role as representing people in the ward and if that means I come across as a Nimby, so be it.”

Colchester Council tried to sell the building two years ago, but has delayed the sale until 2013.

Matt Sterling, housing and communities manager, said: “The council is rebuilding and refurbishing some of its other units of accommodation for homeless people using a grant from the Government.

“Once that improvement work is complete, we may dispose of this property or use it for a different purpose.

“A firm decision about the building’s future beyond 2013 has not been taken yet.”