CAMPAIGNERS fighting a proposed new homeless centre in a residential estate have leafleted homeowners urging them to protest against the plans.

The leaflet, sent out to homes surrounding the old Shipton Street school building, is a blow to Arclight's plans to house a new homeless hostel on the site.

It follows a decision from Clifton Residents' Association to object to the plans, following a meeting to discuss the proposal which was held on Monday.

The leaflet raises concerns about the type of people who might use the proposed new centre, and adds: "Your quality of life and the value of your property will be affected."

Recipients are urged to write letters and contact York MP Hugh Bayley and City of York Council to make their protests known.

Currently based at Leeman Road, Arclight has secured Government funding to pay for a new building. The organisation has indicated to chiefs at City of York Council that Shipton Street would be a good site.

No decision has yet been made on the future of the site, with that expected in September, but residents and local councillors have raised concerns about the suitability of the building as a site for a new homeless centre.

Arclight believes it could build a centre which is one of the country's best. Jeremy Jones, head of the centre, said consultation with residents was set to begin and an open day was planned for August 16.

Helen Douglas, of the Clifton Residents Association, said: "While the Arclight Project is a worthwhile venture, the residents of Clifton do not feel it is a venture suitable for such a densely populated residential area such as Clifton.

"We have families of mixed ages living next door to the Shipton Street building and do not feel that this type of project will do anything to continue the work done here to make Clifton a better place to live.

"Clifton has undergone a massive regeneration project of its own over the past few years, and we do not feel this project will serve our community well at all.

"We shall be sending representatives to the meeting on August 16 and have called another meeting of the Residents' Association on August 1, from 1.30pm to 3pm, at Burton Stone Community Centre."

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, July 21, 2005