'We're a dumping ground for undesirables': Residents hit out at town planners

The family house on Vickers Street will be converted into bedsits after planning officers granted planning permission, but the move has angered many with 25 letters of objection being sent to Wakefield Council.

HMOs offer short-term contracts to tenants who are moving to the area to work for a short period of time.

But they remain controversial with claims they attract anti-social behaviour and are used by those with drink and drug problems.

One resident wrote: “HMOs are magnets for undesirables.

“Castleford is slowly becoming a dumping ground for everyone else’s trouble causes and these places is where they end up. No more HMOs in Castleford please.

“The existing ones and half-way houses have made the town centre a no-go area for many elderly people.”

Another wrote: “I do not want this at the top of my street, it will only create more crime, noise, unsociable behaviour and will make me feel very insecure in my own this being so close.”

Other issues raised include the problem of parking on an already-busy street.

The plans show the property, at number 1 Vickers Street, will house up to seven people, with shared facilities such as a kitchen diner/lounge.

Despite the objections, planning officers said the plans were acceptable.