A COUNCIL scheme which supports vulnerable adults is due to move away from its current address.

Chapmans offers temporary supported living accommodation in Frances Road, Bournemouth. However, the service is due to relocate by the end of April, although council officials say they will not be making the new address public.

The service, which helps adults with a range of needs, including drug addiction, will continue to operate.

The property itself is not owned by the council, and is likely to continue operating as a house in multiple occupation (HMO). As a result of the service moving, the council will no longer be responsible for those who live in the house.

Lorraine Mealings, head of housing for Bournemouth council, said there are similar properties offering supported living across the borough. Residents will be unaware of the locations of many.

"We are moving this particular service," she said.

"This is a supported housing scheme for vulnerable people. Our first interest is about protecting those people."

The council is also concerned about "causing unnecessary alarm" to residents of the community where the service will be relocated, she said.

Chapmans' clients access intensive support over the course of weeks or months, with the aim of helping them live independently.

The service is currently based directly opposite Knyveton Gardens, and residents of Springbourne have previously raised concerns over anti-social behaviour connected to the property.

At a residents' meeting in July last year, neighbour Mike Barling said the property had attracted drug dealers who targeted clients.

Others raised concerns that the property was not properly supervised.

However, Ms Mealings said staff are on site at all times. Those who access support through any of the council's providers must be able to demonstrate a link to Bournemouth.

"Our priority is to make sure clients become embedded in the community," she said.

"We distribute these schemes across the area."