Agencies involved with plans to repurpose the Lord Lister Hotel in Hitchin have said they are aware of residents' concerns, and say they have been subjected to "unacceptable abuse and accusations" online since the story broke.

The proposals by Keystage Housing would see the Lord Lister Hotel provide short-term accommodation of up to 12 months for individuals who have a history of rough sleeping or are at risk of rough sleeping, have recently been in prison or are engaging with probation services, and have a formal mental health diagnosis and/or have a history of substance and/or alcohol misuse.

The hotel has already been home to Keystage's services for a number of months after North Herts Council was successful in its bid for funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Concerns over crime and antisocial behaviour have been raised - but agencies involved want to reassure residents that support for them is there.

North Herts Council released the statement in conjunction with Keystage Housing and Herts Police.

Councillor Sean Prendergast, Deputy Executive Member for Housing at North Herts Council, said: "We are aware of residents’ concerns regarding the use of the former Lord Lister Hotel being used by Keystage Housing.

"We are working closely with Keystage and the police to deal with any issues and we would like to reassure people that councillors are also actively involved in supporting residents with their concerns.

“As the local housing authority, we have a legal duty to prevent homelessness whenever possible and as per our Council Plan, have committed to support initiatives which provide for the needs of the most vulnerable in the district. This includes Keystage clients who have a range of complex needs. These housing needs have grown significantly throughout the pandemic. This scheme provides a great opportunity for these residents to get the support they need to rebuild their lives and live independently."

Leader of North Herts Council, Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, said: “As a local authority we have a number of specific responsibilities, two of which are the local housing authority and local planning authority. Where responsibilities overlap, we have processes in place to ensure that decisions for each element are considered separately and on their own merits, following the usual procedures.

“The council had nothing to do with the sale of the Lord Lister Hotel and following the usual procedure and consultation, Keystage Housing’s planning application will be determined by the Planning Control Committee in due course. Residents wishing to comment on the application can do so via the official channels up until the meeting.

“The council will not tolerate any kind of abuse towards councillors or staff. Some of the comments and accusations which have been made online are totally unacceptable and factually incorrect. We will report abuse and direct threats and take action as required.”

James O'Grady, founder and CEO of Keystage Housing, said: "The recent partnership meeting was a welcome platform to raise and discuss concerns for the community as well as sharing partnership approaches from Keystage Housing to ending the revolving door of homelessness for individuals who are vulnerably housed and have complex needs, working together to reduce barriers to finding and maintaining a home."

James Lant, Neighbourhood Inspector for North Herts, said: “Whilst local police are aware of the concerns that have been raised by some local residents, following a review of all the complaints received relating to the Lord Lister since it opened, it is the case that a number of them are not directly linked to the facility.

“However, I want to reassure residents that we will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with our partners including Keystage and North Herts Council to address any issues that arise.

“The work of organisations like Keystage is vital in today’s society, so I hope that by working together we can find a way to support their efforts in our community, without there being a perceived detrimental impact on the lives of local residents.”

You can send your views on the planning application: