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Ex-mayor speaks out against drug treatment centre

Dave Gudgeon

News & Star, Carlisle

Monday 23 Aug 2004

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FORMER mayor Colin Paisley has spoken out against plans to site a drugs and
drink treatment centre in one of Carlisle's busiest streets.

Traders in Botchergate have already attacked the idea, saying it could deter
shoppers from using the city's new 'golden mile'.

But ex-junkie and recovering alcoholic Mr Paisley said: 'I'm looking at this
from the viewpoint of a service user =AD and I believe it's a bad idea.'

City councillors will debate proposals to turn the former Cash Converters=
shop
into a counselling and alternative therapy centre for drug users this=
Friday.

If the project, run by national charity Addaction, gets the go-ahead then=
NHS
drug and alcohol services would also work from the premises.

But Mr Paisley, who received treatment for alcoholism last year, said: 'I=
just
don't think putting such a service in a busy street like Botchergate is=
right.

'I know from experience that alcoholics have good days and bad days. If you=
are
having a bad day, the last thing you want to do is to walk past a lot of=
pubs.

'There is also the anonymity aspect. It may be clients do not want friends,=
and
even relatives, to know what they are going through. Traffic moves slowly=
along
Botchergate and the last thing they want is for someone sitting in a car or=
on
a bus to see them leaving such a centre.'

Mr Paisley, who was a city councillor for many years, said many people with
drink or drug problems had talked to him and shared that view.

Addaction say Botchergate is the right place for their service because it is=
so
accessible. A similar one operates in Kendal's main street.

Planning officers have recommended the change of use be granted, finding no
reason to refuse it.

Members of the council's development control committee will have to decide
whether to follow the officers' recommendation or listen to the concerns of
local business owners who claim the centre would cause anti-social=
behaviour.

 

 

 

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