LOCAL residents fear a proposed new hostel in York's Gillygate will become a magnet for drunken stag and hen parties.

The Press reported last week how pub chain Punch Taverns had revealed plans for a 59-bed hostel on the site of Monroes, a pub which was previously calledThe Speakeasy and The Pink Pony.

The company said it was looking to target "independent world travellers" with its plans for six triple bed bunks on the ground floor behind the bar, nine triple bed bunks on the first floor and seven double bed bunks on the second floor.

But now several residents have written to City of York Council to lodge their objections and raise concerns about the type of people the hostel would attract.

James Stafford, of Nelson Street, said: "My concern is that this hostel will be used by group booked hen and stag does on booze-filled day and night in York, which would not be in keeping with the independent shops and cafes on Gillygate. It may make Gillygate an unpleasant street to walk down in the evenings with my young family."

Janet Jacobi, of Gillygate, said such a 'budget' establishment would attract groups. "I envisage that on an evening they will meet for 'pre town drinks' in the downstairs bar and then make their way into town."

The Guildhall Planning Panel said it objected on the grounds of 'over-development and incompatibility of the pub use and the overnight intensive accommodation.' Ms K Smith, of Gillygate, said the panel summed up her thoughts and my objections perfectly.

Jim Shanks, the 'police designing out crime officer,' said his main concerns remained the hostel being attractive to hen and stag parties, although many of his initial concerns over security had been addressed by the applicant, for example through CCTV being installed to monitor all entrances and exits, main stairwell, reception area and corridors.

However, he said it was not clear if the reception would be manned 24/7 and it would not be appropriate to control the hostel from the restaurant or bar.