By Julian Whittle

Last updated 08:34, Friday, 12 September 2008

The Government is questioning Carlisle City Council’s plan to put a new homeless families’ hostel next to the homeless men’s hostel.

Appropriate? The men’s hostel

The £3.9m scheme has been controversial, with local councillors and MP Eric Martlew arguing that women and children will be at risk.

Many of the residents of the men’s hostel in John Street have drug and alcohol problems and officials admit sex offenders have been accommodated there.

Now doubts about the scheme have been echoed by Homelessness Minister Iain Wright. He says he will withhold funding unless the council can reassure him.

In a letter to Mr Martlew, the minister confirms he has “queried the appropriateness” of the hostel’s position.

He says: “Officials were also not satisfied that there had been sufficient consultation.

“Carlisle City Council are aware that if the above issues are not addressed that this may prompt us to reconsider our funding allocation.”

The council narrowly approved the scheme in July but it cannot go ahead without £1.89m from the Government’s Places of Change programme.

The hostel would replace an older families’ hostel in London Road and house up to 22 women in eight flats.

A council spokesman said: “The council and the Department for Communities and Local Government are working closely on the bid and it’s all very positive.

“We are addressing all the issues that they have raised.”

But Mr Martlew said: “In view of the department’s statement, I don’t think this can go ahead. It has to go back to the council. They have to take seriously the Government’s concern that they’re not sure it’s appropriate.”

Council officials said they would have separate, secure entrances and facilities.