A HOMELESS hostel branded a crime den by residents is to close and re-open under a tough new regime.

Droitwich Spa Single Homeless Project will shut for two weeks while a new manager and staff are employed and trained.

It will relaunch with new rules and a strict admission policy.

During recent months, neighbours have complained about the Ombersley Road hostel. More than 100 residents signed a letter to Worcestershire County Council asking the authority to stop funding it.

People claimed the problems included drug dealing, car related crimes, intimidating and insulting behaviour and an increase in litter and vandalism.

Redditch-based Step Out Drop In (SODI) manages the Spa Housing Association-owned centre.

SODI manager Dave Cartwright said the closure is part of a general review.

He told the Advertiser: "The centre is virtually empty and we should be able to close in the near future.

"We plan to employ some new staff and offer training at our Redditch premises.

"When the home re-opens there will be new users and new rules."

He added: "We are sensitive to the concerns of residents. They live in a quiet area and we plan to reflect that by the type of people we take in."

A residents' spokesman said: "Ideally, we want the property returned to private use but we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

"Obviously, we would be grateful if the management did not accept people with a criminal record and I want a strict eviction policy in place.

"It's going to take a long time to gain the confidence of residents."

Droitwich Spa town councillor June Alexander (Con, Droit.Central) sits on SODI's advisory panel.

She said: "This is a chance to start afresh."