Village hostel divides community

Post-mortem tests showed Georgina Edmonds died from head injuries

An ex-offenders' hostel whose residents were questioned over the murder of a grandmother has faced criticism from nearby villagers.

Georgina Edmonds was found by her son at her home in Brambridge, Hampshire, on 11 January. She had head injuries and had been tortured with a knife.

Elderfield House residents were spoken to but were not suspects, police said.

Paul Bowes, of Langley House Trust which runs Elderfield, believes "barriers need to be broken down".

The views of Brambridge residents over the future of the hostel appear to be divided.

Ruth Johnson described the relationship between the hostel and the community as "not very good".

"I feel bridges have to be built in both directions," she added.

I think the important thing is to give people opportunities to come on site Paul Bowes

"But I would hate to see the place close."

However, her view is not shared by another resident who wished to remain anonymous: "As it is I would rather it be closed down.

"People are just fearful of what they are over there, they just come and go as freely as they like."

Mr Bowes said since the questioning of residents opportunities should be taken to improve understanding between villagers and the hostel.

He said: "I was absolutely bowled over by the numbers of letters of support, postcards, telephone calls and all the other kinds of things we got from people.

"I think the important thing is to give people opportunities to come on site, meet some of the guys and get a better understanding."

Cliff, who has been at Elderfield for 24 years, described the situation in January as a "nightmare".

"We were not allowed out anywhere. I nearly left."

Hampshire Police said they were in talks with the BBC Crimewatch programme to film a reconstruction of the events leading up to her Mrs Edmonds' death expected to be broadcast on 19 November.

There is a £20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of her killer.