A fighting fund of thousands of pounds has been raised by residents determined to scupper plans by Havering Council to create a super hostel in a Rainham cul-de-sac.

The donations, which poured in during a rally in St John’s Church hall, South End Road, Rainham, last Friday, will be used to bring a legal review of the project.

The council okayed plans in October to close four homeless shelters and replace them with two, including one at former old people’s home Will Perrin Court, in Guysfield Road.

But there has been vehement opposition from locals who say the hostel will be a haven for crime.

Cllr Michael-Deon Burton said: “If ultimately successful with their proposal, the council will house over double the previous number of residents, who will be transient and including ‘problem’ families. This is a quiet, semi-cul-de-sac and totally unsuitable!”

An action groups made up of councillors, activists and householders, now want to bring a judicial review and have so far rasied �5,000 along with �5,000-worth of pledges.

It would allow them to challenge the council’s plans before the High Court, which has the power to reverse the decision.

Graham Williamson, of the Adamsgate Action Group, said: “We did the same successfully some years ago concerning the motocross scheme. The review led to the proposal being rejected. If the residents raise the monies then they too can stop this monstrous proposal!”

Cllr Lesley Kelly, cabinet member for housing, blasted “false rumours” circulating about the hostel, which she said would be for those - mainly families – who had fallen on hard times.

Anyone wishing to help opposition, should send money to: Guysfield Drive Residents Group, c/o 6 Guysfield Drive, Rainham, or pledge via Richard Freeman at richardfreeman@rf020370.plus.com

The council is also plans to upgrade Abercrombie House in Harold Hill, and will gradually close the following in phases as Will Perrin Court opens: Queen Street Villas, in Romford; Billet Lane, Hornchurch; and Diana Princess of Wales House, in Harold Hill.