Closure threat to care home

A string of recent troubles could force its closure if it fails to follow strict guidelines laid down by the county council.

The Anderida Adolescent Care home, which houses five troubled teenagers from outside East Sussex, has had its minibus stolen and faces fierce criticism and continuous complaints by neighbours.

County council inspectors who made an "unannounced visit" are now demanding improvements in the home's operation with the threat of closure if the conditions are not met.

Police will also be co-operating by seeking Anti-Social Behaviour Contracts or even Anti-Social Behaviour Orders on the youngsters if the trouble continues.

The closure threat follows complaints to the Observer from residents concerned about the growing number of incidents of vandalised cars and elderly people being pushed and abused.

One person has had their car damaged three times in three years and is now demanding tighter controls on the home.

But Anderida's managing director Roy Thompson said recent problems have been sparked by just one youngster who will soon leave the area after completing his spell at the home.

He said police and the courts must crack-down on offenders by arresting and sending them to young offenders institutions to teach them a lesson.

"They must be punished and taught they will not get away with it, otherwise we are powerless to stop them," said Mr Thompson.

"With a change in policing they are trying to cover up a black-spot in crime which makes me an easy target."