HOUSING chiefs in Southampton have hit back at claims that a scheme to build affordable homes for key workers in Lordshill will blight existing residents' lives.

Last week, we reported how dozens of residents from the newly formed Channel Islands Residents' and Tenants' Association took to the streets to protest against a controversial scheme to build 18 new houses in St Helier Place and Jersey Close.

Residents claim that the plan will take away car parking spaces, restrict access for emergency services and make the area dangerous for children to play in.

In a joint statement, housing bosses at Southampton City Council and Swaythling Housing Society say that resident's fears are groundless.

Housing chiefs say that the new homes will house 102 extra residents and not 120 as claimed by members of the residents and tenants association.

They add that an extra 32 car parking spaces will be created when the derelict shops currently on the site are demolished to make way for the planned new homes. A spokesman from Swaythling Housing Association said: "The site is currently the home to a number of derelict shops which have a track record for vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

"The plans for the new housing scheme have indeed been developed following extensive consultation with the local community and have been revised to take into account the views of residents."

Chairman of the CIRTA Gary Waters said that he would be presenting a petition opposing the scheme when the project came before the planning committee next month.