OLDER residents are objecting to plans by a housing association to move young people into their sheltered housing complex.

St Barnabas Court resident Sandra Van Damme has collected 25 signatures, from a total of 30 residents, protesting at the proposal by Harrow Churches housing association, which runs the flats in Harrow Weald.

The 61-year-old said: “I have spoken to all the residents about this and they are not happy about young people moving in. Some are very elderly and live in sheltered housing where they expect peace and quiet and safety.”

The housing association has told residents three young people would be moving into a vacant flat.

The plans were halted after a meeting with Harrow Council when concerns were raised by residents.

However, Ms Van Damme said furniture was moved into the flat on Friday .

Amanda Dade, service manager for adults and housing at Harrow Council, said: “It is the responsibility of the association to decide who is housed in this unit. “However, we are aware of residents’ concerns and are working with Harrow Churches housing association to try to find a solution.

“It is a priority for us that our most vulnerable residents are supported in safe, secure communities so we want to find the best outcome.”

Louis Green, 85, who has lived in St Barnabas Court for nearly five years, said. “There’s nothing to stop them bringing friends back and having loud music, drink and drugs. A lot of people here are very worried about it – they are scared.”

There is no warden at the accommodation.

Chief executive of Harrow Churches housing association, Christopher Holley, said: “It is not possible to say whether the young people are homeless because we have not decided who is going to be allocated to the flat. While we understand the concerns we have a duty to use all suitable accommodation to help those in housing need.

“We have undertaken to review the situation and have provided all tenants with our duty telephone number, which is staffed outside office hours and weekends and bank holidays. We would ask all our tenants not to prejudge their neighbours.”