A HEDGE is to be planted around a county care home following a burglary at actor John Challis’ home.

Representatives from Keys Childcare and Adforton Parish Council met last week to see what could be done to improve the situation at the children’s care home at Mill Cottage in Paytoe.

The Hereford Times reported last month that John Challis, who played Boycie in BBC TV’s Only Fools and Horses and spinoff series The Green Green Grass , called for the home to be re-located after two boys broke into his Wigmore Abbey home while he was on holiday.

Inspector Nick Semper said there were 26 reported incidents in Adforton in the first six months of this year, with 19 concerning Mill Cottage.

These included nine calls about absconsions, taking £22,500 out of the police budget.

He added that there had been 72 missing persons reports since 2005 costing a further £180,000.

Mill Cottage currently houses three young people described as “extremely vulnerable” by Keys Childcare.

Since the meeting, Keys has agreed to meet representatives of Adforton Parish Council every two months to improve communication and monitor the situation and impact of the home.

An agreement was made to plant a hedge around the boundary of the fence subject to agreement with the landlord.

“It has been agreed as an interim arrangement that Keys can continue to operate the home until the lease expires in 18 months time when the arrangements will be further reviewed,” said Keys spokeswoman Caroline Walker.

John Miles, chairman of Border Group Parish Council, added that he was pleased with the outcome.

“At least Keys is aware there has been a lot of trouble, which has caused upset to a lot of people,” he said.

“It has cost the police a lot of money.”