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DRUG REHAB? NOT IN OUR BACKYARD
Residents say ‘chaos’ subsided during St Mungo’s closure
FEARS that drug-dealing and aggressive begging will return to Covent Garden are fuelling a campaign to stop a homeless hostel reopening in April.
The announcement that St Mungo’s headquarters – including beds for rehabilitating drug-addicts – is to reopen in Endell Street has been met with “universal opposition” from businesses and residents.
Campaigners say there has been a “remarkable drop in offensive behaviour” since St Mungo’s closed for refurbishment last year. The homeless charity, which admits to management mistakes in the past, has pledged to turn over a new leaf and says it will house “less chaotic” clientele in the future.
But Kim Church, representing ?Covent Garden businesses, said: “We were always aware of crime and drug-dealing but only linked it to the St Mungo’s after it closed. We are alarmed and concerned by the chronic under-management, which has become more and more apparent.”
The Covent Garden Community Association (CGCA) had lobbied for the homeless charity’s biggest hostel to reopen as a nursing home.
But their pleas have been ignored and CGCA chair Jo Weir said: “We wanted to open a nursing home, which we need in Covent Garden, but we have been ignored. It is a real missed opportunity for the area.”
The hostel provided accommodation for 93 homeless men and women, including a 15-bed substance reduction unit to help drug-users.
St Mungo’s say the new centre will be reduced to 53 rooms and only drug users in a later stage of their rehabilitation will be taken in.
Jon Hughes, the manager of the new hostel, said: “We are really keen to get the community involved in the future of our hostel on Endell Street.
“A recording studio and other hostel facilities will be available for use by the local community – we hope to create a shared space where residents and Covent Garden community members will all work together.” |
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