A residents' group set up to fight proposals for a controversial children's home near to their homes is pressing for representation on a task force which is investigating the overall development of the area.

Mike McDonagh, secretary of the The Brunswick Terrace and Newport Road Residents' Group in Stafford, said: "We live in the area so it is only right we have a say in what goes on there.

"The task force has been set up by the two councils to look at developments in the area, including the children's home, and we believe we should have an input into it."

Staffordshire County Council has submitted two planning applications for the development in Brunswick Terrace. But families claim they will be plagued by anti-social behaviour if the development goes ahead.

Earlier this year deputy Prime Minister John Prescott rejected demands for a public inquiry into the proposals. Social services officials in the town say they have a duty to look after children who have been abused.

A spokesman said: "If we do not place them in Stafford the next nearest home could be as far away as Rugeley." There is currently no children's home in Stafford and the county council wants to provide one to cope with the needs of children.

Used courtesy of the The Sentinel, Stoke