MORE than 1,200 residents in South Oxhey have put their names to a petition opposing plans to build a hostel for young people in the area.

The petition against Aldwyck Housing's application for 12 self-contained bedsits in Gosforth Lane was submitted to the House of Commons on Monday by MP for South West Herts Richard Page.

A spokesman for Gosforth Area Residents' Association, formed to fight the application, said the group was amazed at the response some five months after the plans were made public.

Thanking residents for their efforts, the spokesman said: "Most people couldn't sign it quick enough. It just goes to show how strong feelings really are after all this time.

"We can only hope that Three Rivers will listen to the vast numbers of residents and rethink its location. After all, this is a facility for all of Three Rivers and not just South Oxhey."

The spokesman urged residents to write to Three Rivers District Council opposing the scheme by Thursday, quoting reference 03/0386/FUL.

The application is expected to be considered by the council's development control committee on Thursday, May 15.

Plans for the youth hostel have now been submitted to the council. Residents can view the plans at Three Rivers House in Northway, Rickmansworth.

April 8, 2003 14:00