A RESIDENT at a controversial York probation hostel today launched a scathing attack on "atrocious" conditions at the site.

The offender, who asked not to be named, told the Evening Press that residents at Southview were "treated like children".

He said the food was appalling, booze was completely outlawed, electrical items like DVD players, video recorders and computers were banned and that the condition of the building was appalling.

The man, in his mid 20s and from the North Yorkshire area, said: "I'm concerned about the overall welfare of a lot of the residents. Everyone is in such a negative frame of mind. We are not being helped at all."

Southview houses about 20 residents, most of whom are awaiting trial, on probation or licence or carrying out other court orders.

The resident, who is currently halfway through a 12-month residential order at the hostel, in Boroughbridge Road, said: "We are sick of being treated like schoolchildren."

Working residents pay £60 a week rent and he said many were questioning what they were paying the National Probation Service for.

"Other hostels offer sporting activities - we don't get anything. There are no resources to help people train for jobs. There are chunks missing in the walls and the decorating is poor," he added.

"We're living in the 21st century, but we have the resources of the 19th century. It's atrocious."

A Southview spokesman, speaking in a statement issued through the Home Office, said: "Like all approved probation premises Southview offers a package of purposeful interventions designed to rehabilitate offenders and prevent reoffending.

"Residents receive basic skills training, employment, education and resettlement training, drugs treatment and counselling, personal counselling etc.

"Each resident has a key worker who they meet with regularly. They also work with probation officers. Moreover, there is a meeting every day where residents can raise issues and express their views."

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, August 18, 2004