Several sites have been considered for the hostel

The leader of Leicester City Council, Roger Blackmore, has admitted there could be better options than to build the hostel on Conduit Street in the Highfields area.

It follows criticism from the area's Labour councillor, Patrick Kittrick, that residents of the shelter would be vulnerable to drug dealing and prostitution.

Mr Blackmore has agreed the site has drawbacks, and says the council is keeping its options open.

Counselling service

He said: "The most compelling argument against this is that the users of the centre might be at risk from crime in the area.

"We are a listening administration and if we seriously see a site which is better we will look at things again."

Plans for the �4m, 40-bed shelter near Leicester station are at an advanced stage.

They have replaced the controversial scheme originally intended for Pocklington's Walk in the city centre.

Mr Kittrick supports the idea of putting the hostel in the city centre.

The Conduit Street plans, which include a GP surgery and counselling service, are due to be considered for permission at the end of next month.