A CONTROVERSIAL hostel in Winchester city centre will close after pressure from neighbours due to increasing anti-social behaviour.

A2 Dominion, who operates West West House in Hyde Gate, made the announcement last Thursday. 

After two front page stories in the Hampshire Chronicle and a recent action group set up by angry residents, the housing operator has said the home will close in the spring. They added that it won't be closed until every one of the 29 residents have been rehoused. 

Last week, a crisis meeting was held with residents grilling representatives from A2 Dominion and Winchester City Council, responsible for tackling homelessness in the city.

Neighbours have been repeatedly complaining to the police about law-breaking including brazen drug dealing, constant foul language, threatening behaviour, sex and urinating in public, leaving neighbours, mainly OAPs, feeling unsafe in their homes.

Hyde Gate resident Julian Perkins, 80, today described the update as 'wonderful news'. He said: “It's the right facility in the wrong place. I'm delighted. I hope they can be rehoused in a more appropriate place. The residents desperately need the support they have not been getting. 

READ MORE: West View House: Hyde residents set up action group

“It will be so much better for the residents nearby. It will make so much difference to our lives. People had got so fed up of it. Thanks has to go to the Hampshire Chronicle. Without the publicity, I don't think this would have happened.”

Hyde Gate (Image: Newsquest)

The future of West View House had already been uncertain with Hampshire County Council, which funds it, having to cut £132m. They have been cutting various services including school crossing patrols, care homes and recycling centres. A decision on funding for homeless services, including West View House, was due for October. 

County councillor Dominic Hiscock represents the Winchester Eastgate division, which includes Hyde, said: “It’s going to take another five months to find accommodation for the 29 people who are at West View. It is going to be difficult but we have to get it done.”

On the issues surrounding West View House, he added: “It’s been like that for years now. It comes and goes. It depends on the individuals [staying at West View]. It hasn’t been the people who are in the accommodation – it’s the people who visit.”

John Tippett-Cooper, St Bartholomew ward councillor and Hyde resident, said: “I know the news that West View House will be closing will be a relief to many who have experienced years of recurring ASB problems in the area. I think this is the right thing - I’ve been concerned for a while that the A2D-run facility is not working in either supporting people who live in it or addressing ASB concerns that happen around it. 

SEE ALSO: Chronicle comment - Crisis meeting over West View House

"It is critical that ASB issues continue to be addressed as the facility winds down and also that the 29 residents - who have complex and varied needs - are supported into alternative accommodation that better supports their needs. I know Winchester City Council officers will do everything possible to support both residents in the local community and residents in West View during this period of transition.”

Rose Burns, who helped set-up the Hyde Antisocial Behaviour Action Group, said: "This is what the action group wanted as its main priority. Ever since it opened in the 1990s it has been in the wrong place. 

"Until it closes, there will still be anti-social behaviour." 

Jude Cross, director of specialist housing at A2Dominion said: “I can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to close West View House in Winchester, which is currently used as accommodation to support homeless people in the Winchester area.  We have not taken this decision lightly and will continue to work with Winchester City Council who have the statutory responsibility for homelessness, and with Hampshire County Council who commission the support service.  

READ MORE: West View House, Hyde Gate: Residents angry over increasing disorder

“We will not be taking any more referrals to the service, instead concentrating on working with Winchester City Council to rehouse all current tenants. We are committed to not making anyone homeless and will be working with our colleagues at the City and County Councils to ensure a safe and well managed transition for everyone living at West View House. 

“Whilst long term funding options for the service did factor in the decision made, residents' concerns featured heavily in the decision-making process, and we want them to know that we have listened to them. 

“Our colleagues working at West View House have been informed. We will seek to formally consult with them in the near future and will support them through this process, exploring options for redeployment to other roles wherever possible.  At present we have no clear long-term future plans for the site, but options will be explored ahead of the closure of the service. We anticipate the service closing in the Spring but will not exit fully until the last tenant has been rehoused. We will continue to work with our partners and the local community in the meantime to address concerns raised.” 

Additional reporting by Seb Haw