A ROW has erupted in a quiet Chippenham Street over plans by Westlea Housing Authority to set up family accommodation.

Resident Rodney Fernandes was outraged when an anonymous flyer was posted through letterboxes in Hawthorn Road informing residents two houses had been bought by the housing association.

The flyer urged people who wanted to oppose the development to send their comments to North Wiltshire District Council.

Mr Fernandes initially welcomed of the plans until he tried to find out more from Westlea Housing Authority.

A phone call revealed the two houses would be knocked into one communal dwelling and they would not say who would be living there, so now residents are concerned that criminals may be living on their doorstep.

Steve Abbott, Director of Housing Services at Westlea Housing Association, said: "Our plans for these properties involve the provision of short-term accommodation for women and children in urgent need of re-housing," he said.

"We are confident this proposal will not result in any undue difficulties or nuisance to neighbours in the street."