RESIDENTS have reacted with fury to a letter sent by the probation service about the controversial Felmores bail hostel in Basildon.

Campaigners posted the letter, from Essex Probation’s chief executive Mary Archer to South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe, on Facebook.

The letter explains how offenders at the hostel are monitored, and suggested offenders who commit offences within their family or over the internet pose a low risk locally.

It also says there have only been two sexual offences committed by Felmores residents since 1978, and that the estate and Basildon is no less safe than any other town, even though the hostel is located there.

Campaigner Leanne Clark, 40, of Devlins, Basildon, said people living close to the hostel were outraged.

She said: “I have had phone calls and been stopped in the street about the letter. People just can’t believe they are saying it is OK to be there. Most of them are saying if it is OK, would they like it on their doorstep?”

Mum-of-four Gemma Watkins, 25, who also lives on the estate, said: “I think it is disgusting.

“In the letter, it says two people, but we don’t know for sure whether it is two people.”

The probation service condemmed the offences, but said it cannot move the hostel and without it residents could be at greater risk.

A spokeswoman said: “Felmores hostel is not owned by Essex Probation, and moving site would not be a local decision.

“In an ideal world, all sexual offending would be eliminated.

“Realistically this will not happen, but the work of probation with police and other colleagues in monitoring these people means it is kept to a minimum – in every Essex town, each of which has its fair share of similar offending by Essex residents.

“Police statistics demonstrate Basildon is no more at risk than another town, despite the presence of the hostel.

However, without a hostel, and with offenders placed straight into local rented accommodation on release from prison, the picture would be worse.”