Statement by TUV Bannside councillor and Deputy Presiding Councillor of Mid and East Antrim Council Timothy Gaston:
“Some time ago I proposed that the Council write to the Department of Justice stressing our strong and united opposition to plans to close Railway Street Drugs Centre.
“Railway Street is a vital part of the Northern Trust addiction service and has proved invaluable to people who have tragically been caught up in the abuse of heroin and other drugs.
“Not only does Railway Street deal with people who have been referred by their GP but it also operates an open clinic system at designated times during the week.
“It is a potentially lifesaving service.
“I therefore welcome the Department of Justice’s reply to the council’s letter which acknowledges the value of Railway Street Drugs Centre and has informed us that funding has been obtained through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme which will see the Centre remain open until the end of March.
“However, I am disappointed that the long term future of Railway Street remains in question.
“Short term funding while welcome is not the answer and we need an assurance that the vial service will be preserved and the money which is so badly needed found.
“Just as with the Save the Dal campaign it is important that we keep the pressure on and ensure that the centre is retained.
“Personally I believe that if there was the will on the part of the powers that be the money could be found. Let’s not forget the millions squandered by Stormont on useless North/South Bodies (some £400 million will go on them in the lifetime of this Assembly), spin doctors and hospitality not to mention the Assembly expenses system which MLAs seem to have little problem obtaining funding from.
“The money is there. It’s just a matter of it being put into worthwhile projects such as the drugs centre rather than the political establishment continuing to squander it.”