A PUBLIC meeting is to be held in Watchet after a scheme was revealed to accommodate a handful of difficult and troubled youngsters in a former hotel.

The recently sold Downfield Hotel in St Decuman's Road could house four children aged between 11 and 18 and six helpers, much to the concern of the town council and nearby residents.

The firm behind the scheme, Sedgemoor College, cares for children with severe problems but townspeople are angry at not being informed officially of the plans for the hotel.

The youngsters would be educated at Sedgemoor College's own specialised units rather than attend local schools.

At the town council meeting last week, councillors called for reassurances that the youngsters would be properly supervised at all times.

The concerns were so serious that the council is organising a public meeting and inviting the town and representatives from Sedgemoor College to attend, although a date and venue has yet to be fixed.

Local businessman and town councillor Dave Westcott said he was very worried at the thought of the youngsters mixing with the youths in Watchet.

"We want assurances that these kids will be properly supervised because I would not want them mixing with some of the youngsters we have in this town.

"Some of these young people need to be properly cared for but I worry that the staff will not be able to protect the town from them.

"This idea was done through the back door but the planning department has been informed because an application for change of use may be needed."

He added: "Commercially, I am sad to see the hotel sold as it was the last establishment in the town. Pubs in Watchet take in guests but some people only like to stay in hotels."

Somerset-based Sedgemoor College deals specifically with childcare and education and has over 50 homes across England including homes in Washford and Rodhuish.

However, it is understood that the hotel would have to meet strict fire and health and safety regulations before Sedgemoor College could accommodate the children in the Downfield Hotel.

St Ducuman's Road resident John Spoor said the town had been kept in the dark over the scheme and he wanted official confirmation of the future for the building.

"We have had no information and all that has been flying round the town is rumour and speculation," he said.

"We have heard one thing after another from talk that it will house battered wives to recently released prisoners."

Mr Spoor, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of nine residents, added: "I and other residents just want someone to either confirm or scotch what the hotel is going to be used for."

No-one from Sedgemoor College was available for comment.