PROBATION chiefs have reassured residents over the control of alleged offenders at a bail hostel in Ellesmere Port.

They say Home Secretary John Reid's decision to ban paedophiles from a number of hostels near schools and nurseries nationally did not affect the Bunbury House unit in Stanney Grange.

Keith Ingram, assistant chief officer for the Cheshire Probation Area, explained: 'His ruling does not bring any changes to our current practice at Bunbury House.

'Offenders with convictions for sexual offences against children are not accepted and have not been accepted since the premises opened in 1993.

'We have kept to the letter in respect of agreements we made with the residents of Stanney Grange at that time.'

He added: 'It is important to make clear that the premises have a good record of managing offenders of all types and we are confident we could maintain that record whatever the proximity to schools and children's facilities.

'Mr Reid's decision is to take into account community concerns.

'It is not based on any evidence that the Probation Service has failed to protect any children attending schools or nurseries close to the premises affected by his decision.'

With regard to sharing information about offenders accused of and convicted of offences against children, the police, Probation and Prison Services say this is a complex issue and the sharing of information itself will not enhance the protection of children.

They want the Government to clarify how the information would be used, safeguards for people mistakenly identified, the potential for increased risks to children where offenders move around making it difficult for the public protection agencies to effectively manage them, and the risk of public disorder.

'There is already an active approach to disclosure through the Multi-Agency Public protection arrangements, and where the risks are, real people are told and do not have to find out for themselves,' added Mr Ingram.

A Cheshire County Council spokesman said: 'We have full confidence in the multi-agency risk management and monitoring measures that exist to protect both children and the community in general.

'We are not aware of any problems associated with that hostel and have no reason to believe there will be any in the future.'