THE search for a new home for a controversial bail hostel, which houses dangerous crooks and sex offenders, will have to be widened beyond Basildon.

The move means beleaguered residents, living near the controversial Felmores bail hostel in Pitsea, could face an even longer wait to see it moved from their neighbourhood.

Basildon Council’s cabinet is expected to approve a recommendation next Thursday, to look for a new site for the hostel elsewhere in Essex and the wider eastern region.

The council is also expected to approve plans to continue working with the Probation Service, which manages the facility, and police, to ensure residents continue to be involved in talks.

The council will also work with the Ministry of Justice and other public sector landowners, including Essex County Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, to identify alternative sites.

Malcolm Buckley, the council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Although the ultimate responsibility for any relocation can only rest with the Ministry of Justice and Essex Probation Service, Basildon Council is committed to doing all it can to facilitate a move, by working with its partners.”

The Ministry of Justice has committed to fund the relocation of the hostel if a suitable site is found.

Earlier this year Basildon Council carried out a review into the Felmores hostel, after a public outcry that convicted paedophiles and sex offenders were living in the middle of a housing estate and close to a school, playground and nursery.

There have been several incidents of hostel residents committing sex offences while living there.