Hostel to close after concerns about disorder

Residents living near two supported accommodation schemes in Brighton say years of anti-social behaviour have left them feeling unsafe in their own homes.

People in Oriental Place, Sillwood Street and nearby roads told BBC Radio Sussex they regularly witness open drug dealing, abuse and disorder.

One resident described a two-month "reign of terror" in which a man tried to kick in her front door, shouted through her window and smashed a glass bottle against her home.

Brighton & Hove City Council said would close one hostel by June 2027 and make changes to the second, with housing lead Gill Williams saying: "We definitely owe these residents an apology."

Marianne Barton bought her home near the seafront with her husband and child two years ago.

Her home is close to Phase One, a 52-bed high-support hostel run by BHT Sussex and commissioned by Brighton and Hove City Council.

She said her family had experienced anti-social behaviour on an almost daily basis, including the two-month "reign of terror" by one resident.

"It's unpredictable," she said.

"It can vary from fairly minor intrusions, to the other end of the scale where it's rather impactful.

"I think the whole community feel unsafe.

"We don't want to tar everyone with the same brush.

"We know that not every single one of them has shown anti-social behaviour, but for the most part a lot of them do."

Sarah Finnegan, head of policy at the National Housing Federation, said people living in supported housing often had "different and often quite complex needs".

She said providers worked hard to support residents but faced significant funding pressures.

Barton has helped to organise a residents' group campaigning for change.

Other residents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said behaviours ranged from regular shouting and arguing at all hours to forcing themselves into the hallways of nearby flat blocks to take drugs.

Residents said problems worsened after changes were made at Fred Emery Court in Sillwood Street.

The YMCA Brighton scheme, less than 150m (492ft) from Phase One, changed from supporting people with lower support needs to accommodating some residents with medium support needs.

Residents said that change coincided with an increase in anti-social behaviour.

On 27 June, a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm after two people and a dog were attacked with a knife in Sillwood Street.

He was later charged, and is due in court in September.

Residents said the incident formed part of wider concerns about safety in the area.

Barton said local people supported the work of supported services such as Phase One and Fred Emery Court, but said issues could not continue.

Residents also felt not enough support has been given historically by Brighton and Hove City Council, she added.

"I don't feel that the accommodation they are living in has adequate support for them.

"This has created a lawless environment. We feel pretty unheard and unsafe," she said.

Another resident added: "My mother visits me and she doesn't feel safe here."

Round-the-clock security has been introduced outside Phase One and in Oriental Place.

Brighton and Hove City Council housing lead Gill Williams said providers were "keeping much more of an eye on the residents".

She said security staff could manage issues inside the building but "not outside on the street".

Finnegan added: "Staff do an incredible job of working with people and supporting them, but they're not mental health professionals.

"I think there is a balancing act. Supported housing providers will take the concerns of neighbours and communities incredibly seriously and will look to work in partnership to manage those, but there are also needs to be met."

Following meetings with residents, Brighton and Hove City Council said Phase One would no longer be commissioned from June 2027.

The council also said Fred Emery Court would return to supporting residents with lower support needs.

A temporary court-ordered closure of Fred Emery Court was explored but was not pursued.

Speaking on behalf of the council, BHT Sussex and YMCA Brighton, Williams said: "We definitely owe these residents an apology as a council.

"We appreciate the concerns of the residents because they have a right to live peaceably in their neighbourhood.

"Even though they were upset, the residents were very compassionate about what has been happening in the area.

"It can be difficult, but that's our job to work that out, not the residents."

Responding to criticism that more should have been done earlier, Williams said: "Sometimes you don't quite see what has been happening because it's happening inside."

She said the decision had ultimately been taken to close the service and make changes.

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