Crime fears over planned care home

Wolverhampton Council planners are considering a proposal for creating a facility for up to seven people aged over 18 at the property in Tinacre Hill.

Applicants Sapphire Group Care Home Ltd said the centre would support people with learning and physical difficulties and be supported by four members of staff.

But a nearby resident said he fears the home would lead to an increase in offences in the crime-hit area.

And West Midlands Police have also objected to the proposed home being situated opposite Wightwick Hall School, which caters for children with special needs.

Resident Robin Winwood said: “The road has already seen its fair share of burglaries and car theft and I have personally experienced this first hand in broad daylight.

“Many of the residents have nice cars and they are already being targeted.

“There are many of the homes occupied by elderly people who are already at risk of being targeted for burglary, and some have already been. Such a home would only make this situation worse.”

In their response, West Midlands Police said, in the last 12 months, the ward area had seen 132 anti-social behaviour offences reported, 84 vehicle crimes and 61 burglaries.

They said: “West Midlands Police cannot support this application due to the vulnerability issues of the school nearby and the other safety issues re: the lack of footpaths and poor street lighting.

“Sapphire Group Care home LTD is a very young company which only set up in December 2019.”

Representatives for Sapphire said the home would be run by a manager with more than 25 years experience in the care sector.

They added: “The facility will operate is as a non-institutional setting with residents living communally and operating as a single household in the same way as a large family would.

“The proposal would be a sustainable form of development providing a caring and nurturing environment for future residents whilst empowering them to be as self managing as possible.”