Nazareth House on Bishop Street.
A campaign by residents of Bishop Street and surrounding areas against a proposed alcohol dependency unit at the former Nazerath House has won the backing of Patricia Logue, Sinn Fein councillor for the area.
At a public meeting earlier this week, residents vented their anger at representatives of Oaklee Trinity Housing, homeless support group Depaul Ireland and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive over plans to develop the 1.65 acres site – which includes a former nursing home, chapel and a three-bedroom bungalow – into social housing and a 24-bed alcohol dependency unit.
Cllr Logue, who spoke in support of the residents at the meeting, has called for the proposals to be reviewed.
She said: “I am in full agreement with the Housing Executive ‘Supporting People Strategy’ and the great work being done in existing facilities for those with alcohol dependency problems.
“However, given the number of existing facilities in the TRIAX area – four within a five minute walking distance – I can understand and support the residents in their objections to this proposal.
“As well as the existing facilities this proposal is for a site which is attached to a children’s school which raises child safety concerns for parents.”
Cllr Logue concluded: “I have been in consultation with and spoke in support of the residents and parents at the public meeting and now call on the statutory services to review their proposals and seek a more appropriate location for this facility.”
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