A HEALTH watchdog carrying out an independent investigation into the controversial closure of the Beechwood Lodge homeless hostel has come up with recommendations to protect vulnerable former residents.

The investigation was set up by Basingstoke council after it was revealed that four former residents of Beechwood Lodge had died since being moved out into the community.

Chairman of the Community Health Council Frank Rust was only appointed to head the independent inquiry five weeks ago but he has already come back with an interim report which makes three recommendations on action that should be taken.

Mr Rust recommends that: - All the vulnerable ex-residents should be contacted to ascertain the amount of support being received. Some ex-residents may have been vulnerable and were not classified as such. However, they could be traced through records kept by Stonham Housing Association which ran Beechwood Lodge.

- In general terms, an investigation should be conducted into the level and amount of support given by housing associations to vulnerable residents.

- It is to be welcomed that supporting organisations such as the Basingstoke Association for Single Homeless are fully involved with the homelessness strategies on the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Supported Housing Forum. They could probably help to identify some of the vulnerable ex-residents out in the community. Where possible, users should be involved in all processes.

These recommendations were due to be reported to the full council meeting last night.

Ahead of the meeting, deputy leader councillor Rob Donnelly told The Gazette: "The council will be leading on implementing these recommendations in conjunction with the other agencies concerned, the outcome of which will be incorporated by Mr Rust in his final report."

A council spokeswoman said: "At this stage, the interim report has not yet been shared with those organisations that were interviewed as part of the review. We will be sharing this report with our partners in the homelessness strategy.

"We are expecting the final report from Mr Rust in mid-May."