Justice chiefs have assured Hounslow residents they have nothing to fear after rumours of 'secret' plans for ClearSprings bail hostels in Heston and Hounslow emerged.
Outraged householders contacted the Chronicle after getting wind of alleged proposals for the controversial facilities in Sutton Road, Heston, and Jersey Road, Hounslow.
The Ministry of Justice refused to confirm or deny the exact locations of any sites, on the grounds it could endanger future occupants, but a spokeswoman insisted the safety of surrounding residents would not be put at risk.
"Residents in bail accommodation are no different to those who have been bailed by the courts to return to their own homes," she added.
"Those held in ClearSprings (the contractors responsible for providing bail facilities) accommodation are deemed not to require close supervision or support.
"More than half are on bail and are therefore innocent until proven guilty. Those on Home Detention Curfew are assessed as low risk before entry, monitored during their stay, and are liable to recall to prison if they break the terms of their release.
"The security of the public remains paramount. Anyone who poses a risk to the public will continue to be held on remand. Anyone accused of sexual offences, arson and those who pose a threat to staff, other residents or the public are not housed in these properties."
However, a number of Sutton Road residents remain unsatisfied with the assurances.
Liana Cura, a 39-year-old personal trainer, said: "Whoever ends up staying in this accommodation, there are bound to be problems. They need to make the prisons bigger and start locking up real criminals rather than putting grannies in jail for not paying their council tax."
Kalpita Patel, a 30-year-old IT manager, said she was angry about the lack of consultation with the local community.
ClearSprings has a contract to build 200 homes for bailed offenders, but is required to consult with local authorities, the police and probation officers about where they are located.
A leaked memo suggesting residents and councillors would not be consulted on the plans sparked fury among opposition leaders last week.
However, the MOJ said the guidelines had been withdrawn in November pending talks with the Local Government Association.
