A SPECIAL home for young people with learning difficulties is being set up near Worcester, it has been revealed.

Young Foundations, an independent health care provider, is developing the residential care home, which will house five vulnerable young people, at Martin Hussingtree.

Set in three acres of land and with its own swimming pool, the home will provide a place for children aged 12 and above.

However, the home, which is due to open later this year, has caused upset for one local, who is concerned about the kind of children to be housed there.

Lynette Pugh lives next door to the site. "I am very concerned about this development," she said. "There has been no consultation from the company. They are installing all sorts of security measures at the house, which concerns me about just what kind of young people are coming here."

But Alison Ferst, a spokesman for Young Foundations, said local residents did not need to be concerned.

"These children are not young offenders or children at risk of offending as this lady has been misinformed," she said. "They are children with learning difficulties and autism."

A planning officer at Wychavon District Council said he was aware of the Young Foundations home, but said it did not require planning permission, as there was no fundamental change of use of the building. This will be the third Young Foundations home to be developed in the Midlands. The first is in Fillongley and the second at Binley Woods, both near Coventry.

Barbara Thompson, Young Foundations' director of services for young people, said: "We were approached by professionals in the Midlands who were struggling to find the right provision for young people with learning disabilities and autism. Our own research also highlighted the need in the area.

"Our homes in Binley Woods and Fillongley as well as this new one at Martin Hussingtree will help vulnerable young people be supported in a normal, homely environment which offers them stability and nurtures them at a difficult time in their lives."

She said youngsters may be referred for both short term support intervention, as well as longer term placements.

Mrs Thompson added: "Because of their vulnerability and for their own safety they are closely supervised at all times as they learn ordinary life skills such as how to cook a basic meal, shop and care for themselves.

"Young Foundations has a policy of being a good neighbour and integrating well with the local communities in which it operates.

"The home in Fillongley, which has been open for six months, will play host to the village fete this summer."