CONCERNS have been raised over claims that "20 delinquent teenagers" will be housed in a historic stone property in St Asaph.

Denbighshire County Council have confirmed that Kentigern Hall, a former canonry and triple gabled stone house with steeply pitched roofs, stone-mullioned windows and an arched stone entrance, is one option that housing team has been "considering" to house up to six young citizens.

The local authority said these would be young people who are already being supported by the council. 

Fears were raised after an email was circulated to St Asaph residents about the matter. 

The letter, shared with the Journal and Free Press, said: "It has come to our attention that Denbighshire Council is in the process of acquiring Kentigern Hall (opposite the cathedral) and leasing it out to a private company for the purpose of housing 25-30 or more young delinquent teenagers, between the ages 16-21, mainly those with behavioural issues and outside of the normal care system such as fostering. 

"While the intent behind this decision is presumably to provide rehabilitation and support, it is important for us, as residents, to understand the potential challenges and consequences that may arise."

The letter listed "potential issues" such as an increase in crime; a "significant drop in local property values" as well as a "detrimental effect on St Asaph and its reputation as a whole".

It added: "The transaction has not been completed yet, and we should urge the council to reconsider the use of this property, and their purchase and leasing of it.

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"Your views can be made known to local councillors, and the mayor of St Asaph."

Kentigern Hall was previously used by Abbeyfield as a residential home. The company provide accommodation for older people.

The site is classed as "historically important". According to the City of St Asaph website, In 1402, Owain Glyndwr burnt down a hostelry and it was replaced by an ecclesiastical residence. Later on the “White Lion Inn” became a staging post for the mail and passenger coaches coming from Old Bont Dafydd Bridge, crossing the River Clwyd from Holywell. In 1854 the map shows a blank square, but by 1858 The canonry was built.

Latterly it became flats and by 1987, Kentigern Hall, “Abbeyfield”.

Cllr Colin Hardie, mayor of St Asaph, said: "To date, the city council has had no involvement in this issue.

"The property was, until fairly recently, being run as an Abbeyfield residential home but has been vacant now for several months.

"An anonymous letter has been distributed to local residents suggesting that it was to be used for 20-odd teenage individuals but I believe this has been sent by someone who just wanted to create a rumour and stir up hostilities against the development of this property.

"The city council has not received any notice of its development from Denbighshire County Council but it hopes that the property will be developed sympathetically to its environment and the local residents."

Cllr Peter Scott said: "I would rather reserve my views until the exact information is delivered by DCC.

"At present the City Council are unaware of any intentions at Kentigern Hall."

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: "Kentigern Hall is one option that the council’s Housing Team have been considering to help house up to six young Denbighshire citizens who it already supports, to enable them to be closer to their own social networks. However, no firm decision has been made yet regarding this property."