Anti-social behaviour fears have been raised as a city community rails against plans for more homeless housing in the area.

A meeting was held at County Hall on Monday to discuss the proposed Netherwood Green site in Lakenham where two blocks of garages would be demolished to make way for 12 housing shelters - looked after by St Martins Housing Trust.

With around 60 people in attendance, many made clear to councillors that they are not happy with the proposal, after recent complaints about drug use and anti-social behaviour at another St Martins property in Lakenham.

Norwich Evening News: Jan Sheldon, chief executive officer at St Martins, said At St Martins we believe no-one should be sleeping rough - Picture: St Martins Housing TrustJan Sheldon, chief executive officer at St Martins, said At St Martins we believe no-one should be sleeping rough - Picture: St Martins Housing Trust (Image: St Martins)

Peter Bursey lives in Netherwood Green and attended the "heated meeting".

He said: "I don't want these plans to go ahead.

"Since similar housing was put up in Lakenfields, which backs on to Netherwood Green, it's only brought trouble.

"Many aren't happy with what kind of people this will bring into the area."

St Martins works to combat homelessness with a wide range of projects across Norwich.

Its chief executive, Jan Sheldon, said: "We would like to alleviate the fears of locals by reassuring them that we are committed to being a responsible neighbour.

"The vast majority of the people we work with are respectful, polite members of the community who have fallen on difficult times and need support to help them live their lives.

Norwich Evening News: The proposed site will mean demolishing blocks of garages in Netherwood Green to make way for 12 homeless housing shelters - Picture: Google MapsThe proposed site will mean demolishing blocks of garages in Netherwood Green to make way for 12 homeless housing shelters - Picture: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

"We also provide support alongside accommodation to the people living there, who just need a chance to get their lives back on track."

Mr Bursey added: "There's a children's park I used to take my grandchildren to but I can't anymore since it's been taken over by drug dealers.

"St Martins do a good job, but it's putting the wrong people in the wrong area."

Dr Sheldon said St Martins believe no-one should be sleeping rough, adding: "The people we support are someone's son, daughter, husband or wife and should be treated with compassion."