PEOPLE concerned about plans to build two new children's homes in Welwyn Garden City were given the chance to air their fears at a public exhibition this week.

Hertfordshire County Council wants to build a new two-storey home for up to four children of primary school age in the grounds of Sir Frederic Osborn School and a replacement home at Stanfield in Welwyn Garden City.

It claims the current provision of children's homes in the county does not meet the required standard and new facilities are vital for the future provision of services.

But both applications have met with angry opposition from residents living next to the proposed sites. They are concerned the homes would be used to house troublesome children and could lead to more children being housed at the homes.

County council officers met residents at a public exhibition of the plans on Tuesday evening. Head of school access Lindsay Martin said the plan was to appease concerns and inform them of the council's intentions.

He added: "We are here to tell people why we need to build these new homes and give them the opportunity to tell us their thoughts.

"There is an image and stigma attached to children's homes and we hope to try and allay their fears, "These homes will be for four children and no more. They are children who have come from broken homes and who will be given the right care before going back into the family home or foster care. It is not necessarily for children with behaviour difficulties."

Under the county council's plans six new homes will replace and improve existing homes. The proposed home at Sir Frederic Osborn would replace Datchworth Turn Home in Hemel Hempstead.

Teri Peck, who manages Datchworth Turn, said she was delighted at the residents' response.

She said: "We have spoke to a lot of people and they were worried, but I think they have gone home happy with what we have to say.

"These sites have been carefully chosen because of access to services and availability of land.

"The present facilities are more than 30 years old and not right for the standard of care needed."

The two applications will be discussed at a meeting of the county council's development control committee at County Hall, Hertford, on October 31 at 10am. The meeting is open to the public.