RESIDENTS in Nythe are to set up a forum to tackle problems they claim stem from a homeless hostel.

A 200-signature petition had been gathered calling on Swindon Council to close down St Ives Court, in Tyneham Road.

But the council-run hostel, which used to house the elderly until a change of use in 1991, was given temporary permission to carry on for the next three years.

Now, with the help of local councillor Glenn Smith, the residents will form a group to discuss any problems that arise to nip them in the bud.

Mother-of-three Dawn Young, 39, who lives in Tyneham Road and organised the petition, said: "Realistically they weren't just going to close it down but as it's only temporary permission this is the next best thing.

"We don't want it there at all but this is better than having it permanently.

"It's going to be zero tolerance now and anything that goes on will be reported to the police.

"They have already improved. And the forum will help.

"They've tidied the place up and it seems to be getting better. This will make sure it stays that way.

"It's been terrible for residents. It got to the stage where we didn't even bother reporting matters to the police but we'll have regular meetings now so we can monitor the situation."

Coun Smith (Con, Covingham and Nythe), who will chair the forum, said: "There is an element of distrust among the residents of how the place has been run.

"We will now be able to have a dialogue between the residents and the councillors and the wardens of the hostel.

"It should give the residents reassurance because I will make sure if officers say they will do something then it will be done.

"People have a lot of issues about this place but one is that they have not been listened to.

"This will show that the council does listen and act to make things better."

Coun Smith said he hoped the first meeting of the forum would be towards the end of March or the beginning of April.

No one from the hostel was available to comment.

Gareth Bethell