Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

The East Lancs Pct NHS trust have earmarked the old doctors surgery on Avenue Parade as a Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit. They say that despite spending 17million on the two new health centres, Pals and Acorn, that there is not enough space there for a Drugs and Alcohol unit, neither apparently is there enough available space at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital.

I wonder what people think of this, and where would be the preffered location for a Unit of this type?

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I think its better for there to be a seperate unit just for these then people cant complain that the users and alcoholics are taking up appointments that poorly people need, they also cant complain about the users and alcoholics hanging around the drs surgerys.

But someone will find something to complain about.

Avenue Parade N.I.M.B.Y. Slimeballs
 

As many of you may be aware, the local health authority have been developing plans to turn the old Peel House medical centre into a druggie's rehab centre to cater for both Hyndburn and Ribble Valley residents. One would have thought that if the borough is to have such an establishment within it's boundaries, this would be an ideal location; it is not too far from the bus station and thus those visitors from the wacky baccy factories of Great Harwood and the magic mushroom fields of Whalley would not have too far to go when entering the town. Alight, stroll to the centre, get your therapy, shoot up and then shoot off.

However, the residents of the area around Avenue Parade have seen otherwise. Not only did 150 of them turn up on thursday night to oppose the idea, they had the audacity to suggest such a facility should be placed within the Acorn Centre on Blackburn Road. Now, like the new Pals health building, these places are not designed for this sort of use; but even if they could so be adapted, the location is smply not suitable (and not only because it is so close to Church).

The issue is quite simple; you either oppose these places on principle or if you accept such provisions have to be made, the facility should be located where it is best suited -which in Hyndburn's case, is the old medical centre on Avenue Parade.

help....I wanted to attach a poll to this

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

As far as i understand it the unit would be providing services just for people dependent on Drugs/Alcohol so would not be depriving other people of appointment spaces. Specialist staff are being brought in to to deal just with these problems. Not many Doctors have taken up the option of relocating their surgeries into the new medical centres.

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Avenue Parade N.I.M.B.Y. Slimeballs
 

Before you complain because of other people’s NIMBY attitude, consider what your attitude would be if that same facility was to be placed on your doorstep.

If you would be happy to have this unit next door to you or close by, then you have every right to criticise the NIMBIES.

But on the other hand if you would become a NIMBY yourself then it is outright hypocrisy to castigate others for being the same.

Re: Avenue Parade N.I.M.B.Y. Slimeballs
 

To be quite honest JB I don't think there would be to many people saying ya its right put it next to my house its what we've always wanted round here. When I was in doc rescently in a 7 bed ard two were taken up with people who were alchol dependant, one had been in and out of hospital regularly over the last two years. I honestly don't think the Avenue Parade site is the right place for this unit, but where is the right place

Re: Avenue Parade N.I.M.B.Y. Slimeballs
 

Strangeways!!:hehetable

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Maybe they should re-open the Duke of Welly on Abbey Street:D.I suppose they've got a purpose built building,standing empty, on Avenue Parade,which saves a few quid for a start.I do sympathise with residents who live near by as i certainly would'nt like it close to my home(and the value of property round here is low enough,thank you).Wherever this place ends up it's going to be a case of NIMBY. Maybe they should have bought the Shoulder of Mutton & converted that,any junkie desperate for his/her methadone would walk to Green Howarth.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

yeah stick it near my house if you want, might be the best place for it,would save them all a long walk.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Surely its best situated in an area were a high propotion of people are drug users ?

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

The money could be better spent on units for disabled young people.... where can they go. NOWHERE is the answer there.
They did not ask to be born disabled .... where the addicts are sick with their own making:
We do have units for the elderly ( maybe we need more )
Why should these LOW LIFE get help at the tax payers expense.
A better use for the building would be for a young person's respite care unit.... so that loving overworked and extremely unpaid parents/carers can have a break... we only have one such unit in the town.
If these drug/ alcohol/addicts are ILL then they need to go hospital not nice day's out in a residential area.
We all know the kind of person that will be using this unit if it goes ahead.... cut the need for being PC : its all to easy for them to say I want to get better ... rubbish the only way for them to get well is not to drink or take drugs.... they do not care about the people they are hurting so why the hell should we.:mad:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

respite care is also provided by people in their own homes, a little like foster care but maybe for one night so that parents can have a rest.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Yes I know... I was thinking more of a centre for young adults... say aged 16 -30 where they to can meet people rather than being stuck in their homes......
like a social kind of place....:)

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

ah, yeah also one that teaches them life skills so they can have some independence?

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

My feelings are that these types of problems are not suited to being treated in a mainly residential area.
Many children will walk to and from school via Avenue parade and a collection of druggies and alcoholics can be quiet intimidating even to adults.
I do except that they need treatment, the question is where. I would suggest Blackburn Royal. Yes I know it is a trail but if people want to get better they must be committed enough to travel and there are many buses up to the hospital nowadays. If The Royal does not have space, then it should be created, after all it is a large site and I am sure a portakbin or similar could be used.
The premises on Avenue Parade would be more suitably re-deployed as a nursery, a community or childrens centre - something family orientated.

Re: Avenue Parade N.I.M.B.Y. Slimeballs
 

I do have a treatment facility on my doorstep ... well, almost; it's a 3 min. walk away ... an OATC (Ontario Addiction Treatment Centre) in a converted store on Princess St., Kingston's main drag ... I've heard no complaints about it. Also, there is a regioinal detox centre, generously supported by the Sisters of Providence, in a large Victorian house beside the Hotel Dieu hospital. No problems with this one either. It's in a mainly residential area, along with doctors' and lawyers' offices (appropriate perhaps.) There is also Street Health, where addicts can get their methadone, clean needles, condoms etc. Given the problem with substance abuse and all the etceteras, treatment centres have to go somewhere. The problem is not going to evaporate.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

On reading most of the posts I surmise that none of you have ever had a family member with a drug or alcohol problem. If that is so you should be very thankful because it could so easily have happened to any one of you. These people are not the scum of the earth they are people with a very real problem. A problem which is going to get worse unless the police come down hard on known drug dealers!!!
But as I said if you haven't been there you will never understand:( And before anyone says it will never happen to any of their family I would say "never say never" it happens to people from all walks of life unfortunately.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I suppose i'd like to know the Real reason behind them wanting to put this unit in a purely residential setting. Does anyone realy believe that theres no room within either Accrington Victoria Hospital or the Two Brand New Health Centres which have only just been built at a cost of 17 million quid!! Assuming that this facility is desperately needed would'nt one have thought it should have been included during the planning stages of these facilities. Surely the unit would be better located within one of these???

Also, the local estate agents have been surveyed with regards to what would happen to property values within the immediate area of such a facility. The results is that every estate agent questioned has said that prices would fall by between 8% - 10%!! The East Lancs PCT have been made aware of this, but are unwilling to take this into consideration. I wonder if there would be grounds for a legal challenge if they decide to go ahead with this ill thought out plan.

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

The rehab centre should be in one of the new health centres. Not rocket science, as has been said Avenue Parade is a busy thoroughfare for children on their way to and from Peel Park, and for secondary school kids on their way home,it's a long and well populated street. I work with people on these rehab programmes, some genuinely want to help themselves, so don't and just keep taking whats given, I also live in the Peel ward and as I don't own my house it isn't the worry of plunging market prices that makes me unhappy about this proposition, it's basically the wrong place for it. We have enough to deal with here already with the gangs of chavs hanging around the Spar and the various druggies and nutcases; on second thoughts, hand it over, room for a few more ! :rolleyes:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

well i have unfortunately, agree these people are not all "Scum" but some are, just as are some non addicts, thats life, but agree with polly in so far as these places though needed, should NOT be sited in residential places.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I am not for one minute saying it should be there, after all we have two health centres doing nothing as most doctors have not moved into them. But the centre is needed and wherever they go somebody will be unhappy.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Finally, someone brought up this excellent point. Compassion and understanding has found at least one ally ... Karma sent.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Exactly ! Avenue Parade is at the centre of the most densely populated area of Accy they couldn't pick a worse place !

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

As Tealeaf stated, the Avenue parade residents suggested the Acorn Health Centre. This is also a residential area. Why do they think it should go there rather than in their backyard? These places have to go somewhere, and in the middle of nowhere is not a sensible option. Someone suggested Green Howarth...I'm sure the golf club would object! :D

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I visit the Acorn health centre for chiropody every couple of months.
It is a big empty white elephant and the area around is sparse on housing because they have mainly been demolished.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

On one side it is sparse, but the other side of Blackburn road isn't. And they will eventually rebuild on the demolished sites! :)

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Acorn is a purpose built health centre, Avenue Parade's ex doctor's surgery is a derelict, decaying aged building that needs demolishing, not refurbing, it's in the wrong place and not suited for the purpose. The town centre is already suffering from the preponderance of various "do-gooder" organisations ( I will say no more as I would be castigated for it) and this proposed rehab centre is right on the doorstep of the main culprits!.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I agree with magpie and polly, the hospital is the correct place, Blackburn road is definately not the place either tealeaf, that is also a residential area.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

The Acorn Centre is on Blackburn road the main road into Accrington.
It would look good for people visiting the area to see all the Alcoholics and drug users hanging around the street .
Also a lot of children catch the bus to school right outside the acorn center so they would be vulnerable to the drug addicts in get them hooked too.
The Acorn center is definitely not the right place.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I have had both in my family, who have fortunately come out of the other side ok, and agree that they are not the scum of the earth, many however have to steal to afford the habits, that is my basis for saying not in a residential area, the crime cont is likely to go up, and then with it, house insurance, car insurance etc.
I thought the police would sort out a problem I was in the middle of some years ago, sadly not, I sorted them out myself, at great financial and emotional cost.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I'm just wondering what happened to the old peoples homes shut by LCC, some of them were in their own grounds, and would be ideal, anyway is this centre just for Accrington or is it for the health authority.:confused:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

The Acorn centre is a purpose built medical faciltiy which has cost an awful lot of money and certainly doesnt appear to be being used to anything like its capacity, at least if the Drug and Alcohol dependency unit was located hear it would only take up a reletively small portion of the building. Also, looking at it from the users points of view, anyone using the service would have more confidentiality there, as they could be visiting the centre for many different reasons, in a "stand alone" unit, such as whats proposed for Avenue Parade, everyone is going to know what the people who are going in and out, are there for!! I really cannot see any logic at all, from any angle, in locating this on Avenue Parade, when there are more suitable options already available!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Perhaps not, they would probably get a taxi and claim expenses!
:)

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I have had personal and close involvement with a close family member: and my views are still the name.... An addict knows that when they have that pill or whatever what they are doing and more to the point what it can lead to... there is more than enough information on the subject:

If you smoke ( which I do ) I know what risks I am taking... also for many illnesses the NHS will not treat smokers... ( I know they have clinics and so on ) yet it will fund units and the like for addicts and they are not excluded out of other medical treatments:

These people do not care what they are doing full stop ( its their so called illness ) that makes them that way.... what about all the crime that goes to fund their habits and nine times out of ten they get a way with it... oh I was drunk or I am a drug addict...

If they must fund them for treatment then it should be in a secure hospital....

If it goes ahead then the area will be even more run down.....and it will be come a meeting place for them.... and NO I don't live in the area so really that is not my concern. I am sick of all the help these idiots get and the damage they leave behind.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

they could convert Accy police station,not much going on there now and the cells are in place.
Would be ideal.:hidewall:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

not a bad idea, they could also appear in court the same day, no problem.;)

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

then hop off across the road to the pub to celebrate their slap on the wrist!:D

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

The last 3 posts are great! I agree with all of em! I also agree with magpie about running the area down more, I looked at a house midway up water street, I was told that all the druggies and drunken teens congregate on that corner, so if they do that now, what would it be like if more drug users are brought there?

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Couldn't agree more derek, there was an alcoholic moved into the area where I live and with him the baggage he brought with him. coming in at all hours, people screaming and shouting all times of day and night, urinating against walls in open view. Touch would he went into rehab in Lancaster and hasn't been to bad since he returned, yet only this morning I saw one of his cronies hanging about.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Why not the old fire place ?

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Added a poll at the request of Tealeaf as he wanted one in his thread and the two are now merged.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

do you mean fire station or are you saying we should burn them?

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I don't personally think there is anything wrong with a little in-house parochial humor, or even humour;) Now, if he had suggested transporting druggies and alkies to Australia, or Canada, that would be another thing entirely:rolleyes::D .... esp. Canada.:eek:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

and why could he not put his own poll on ?

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

He's not as gifted as Andrew:D

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Quote;However will your children/family be safe if this unit goes ahead : short answer NO:

Will it be be safe if no unit goes ahead.NO.
The Poll was about the siting and reflected in the result so far.
My suggestion of the old Police Station was quite serious,though I never mentioned the Fire Station.(may yet be needed):confused:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Wasn't the old Police Station sold for shed loads of money last year, with the idea of turning it into flats?

I suppose it makes economic sense for the place to be sited in a building already owned by the N.H.S., wherever that migh be.

Personally I don't know if this building is the right place for a rehabilitaion centre. I do know I'd rather live near a centre where people were trying to change their lives for the better, than live near neighbours who were users, and were making no effort to get off drugs.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

someone stopped me in town today and asked me to sign a petition against the centre.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

People tend to be unfair on drug users. Most are preyeed on in vulnerable states, often when they are still children, and soon become dependent on them and you can't just stop taking them and be right as rain.

Not enough focus is put on drug dealers and they are the root of the problem. No point having a new rehabilitation centre if we aren't cracking down on drug dealers as well. The weed still grows unless you kill the root!

As for funding things for disabled kids, there aren't enough things for kids to do in general, not just the ones that are disabled. At least the disabled ones tend to be kept indoors and safe by their parents, whilst the others are kicked out for the evening to entertain themselves. Why do you think people turn to drugs in the first place? They're either vulnerable or they're just plain bored. I agree money should be pumped into helping ALL children, which would include the disabled ones, and hopefully that would help solve the ever growing drugs issue, or at least decrease the numbers of young drug users.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I'm not up my....or perhaps more importantly, anyone else's backside!!! As far as using Asterisks are concerned, this is something which is perfectly acceptable on most other forums which i have used. If its not acceptable on here, thats fine by me, and i shall adapt my writing style accordingly! Its a mute point these days as to what would be considered a Swear word, the word i chose to Asterisk, would be in use in all primary schools these days, and i think its perfectly clear looking at the context in which i used it, that it was not aimed at causing any offence. It was aimed at highlighting what i considered to be a Poll which makes light of an important issue, when it could have been so much more constructive! For example why were the other glaring options of The Pals Centre, Acorn Centre, and Accrington Victoria Hospital not included. They are facilities already in exsistence within our borough...the two latest, provided at great expense. Any of these could incorporate a facility such as the one we are discussing, without the same disturbance on the immediate community as in Avenue Parade....again, this is MY opinion, others may well not agree, but i feel they should be seriously considered, and not dismissed totally, as the East Lancs PCT seems to have done. I dont know anyone other than the PCT who thinks that these 3 facilities dont have adequate space for such a unit! It would certainly be more anonymous if incorporated in one of them...which i feel should suit all parties! Hopefully we can discuss the relevant issues now...rather than my asterisk!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I'd hope that schools were capable of providing material that could avoid swear words, asterixed or not. For every swear word there is a word that is not vulgar and is quite acceptable in ordinary civil and polite conversation.

I don't recall ever coming across asterixed swear words in school or in books unless I was delving into books targetted at adults, and they just use the normal words as they obviously weren't intended for youngsters. Unfortunately this forum IS open to all ages and respects that and so we expect everyone to respect the rules! You accept them when you sign up to the forum so there is hardly an excuse.

Anyway, people petitioning against a drug centre wont do anyone any good so I don't see why people are doing that. Drug use is a problem in this area and it should be targetted. If your child was targetted by a drug dealer and became hooked on cocaine I think you'd expect to have a centre available locally for them to get the treatment they need. I don't think you'd be seeing it as a lost cause for much longer anyway.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I was'nt offering an excuse...i was giving a reason.

Your rather negative view about there not being any point in holding a petition against something with which one disagrees is rather defeatist and not very democratic! As you will see the thread was started with a view to finding out which Location a centre such as this should be located in, bearing in mind the options available...not that NO unit should be provided anywhere.

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I voted the location, but someone mentioned that it shouldn't be opened and that the money should go to providing activities for disabled children, hence my comments.

I'd give you my best regards but I only lie for my personal gain, not politeness.

I didn't say disallow petitions, otherwise it would be fair to say I was being undemocratic. As for being defeatist, the number of signatures needed to stop such a thing would need to be huge really and I don't think they'll be gotten, but at the same time I wasn't say don't bother trying, just airing my opinion that it is pointless as it is very likely to go ahead regardless as it is a big issue and not one that should be ignored just because a few hundred people don't want to face the fact that people are suffering from drug addictions in their precious town.

It is easy to call drug addicts scum, but when they see the pregnant teenager going in for her treatment and see how sickly she looks, it becomes much harder to treat them all like criminals.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I've just voted.

Am I in favour of a centre? The simple answer is no, on the basis that clinical solutions should be evidence based. When I last looked, there appeared to be more cost effective ways to drug and alcohol treatment than these rather expensive centres. However, there are exceptions and much rests upon a number of variables, one of which is the high levels of ongoing funding which is neccessary ( Large capital sums are spent on the bricks and mortar only for subsequent annual clinical and other staff funding to be reduced).

My real concern with this - the info I have gained from the online Telegraph on Sunday - was the way those attending the meeting on thursday evening appeared more than ready to offload the facility on to Blackburn Road, which even if you do accept the outline cinical case, is obviously the wrong place to be.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Why haven't you included a site in Church? I think they should refurbish and convert The Stag. An ideal location.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

good on yer blaze, agree 100% with that, can't give ya karma, but i owe ya.;)

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Given the fact that a vast proportion of drugs are imported and supplied by a certain minority of our community, how about situating this centre on Richmond Hill Street, or Higher Antley Street perhaps?

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

People tend to be unfair on drug users.
( I wonder why that is .... could it be because of all the pain and devastation they cause, not to mention all the hurt they cause their family and friends)


Most are preyeed on in vulnerable states, often when they are still children, and soon become dependent on them and you can't just stop taking them and be right as rain.

(Most disabled children are never right as rain, and it is not their fault... the people that take drugs know full well what they are doing and what the end result will be)



Not enough focus is put on drug dealers and they are the root of the problem. No point having a new rehabilitation centre if we aren't cracking down on drug dealers as well. The weed still grows unless you kill the root!

Be it drug dealers or drug users there needs to be more punishment put into place... not excuses Oh he's from a broken home, there is nothing to do etc...



As for funding things for disabled kids, there aren't enough things for kids to do in general, not just the ones that are disabled.

Not enough things for kids to do in general.... which planet are you on: I could name loads of venues where ( kids in general can go ) youth clubs, skate parks etc.... but I can only name three for disabled children.... even the sports centre is not disabled friendly.... there is no specific disabled changing room



At least the disabled ones tend to be kept indoors and safe by their parents,

Why do you think that is..... because there is nothing else for them to do. ( disabled ones )

so keep the disabled ones in and let the complete thugs out so they can start on the down hill street to drug use.... THESE SO CALLED KIDS KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG.... only when caught they get nice treats and no punishment... oh we could supply them with a nice new centre so they can learn more about their hobbies ( drugs and booze ) and meet their mates...


whilst the others are kicked out for the evening to entertain themselves.

There are enough events and venues around the town for kids to find entertainment...
The things is for a lot of kids, entertainment is DRUG USE and ALCOHOL ABUSE.....


Why do you think people turn to drugs in the first place? They're either vulnerable or they're just plain bored.

You forgot to leave out STUPID:


I agree money should be pumped into helping ALL children, which would include the disabled ones,

I think you will find most of the money in the pot hardly ever finds it way to helping disabled children:


and hopefully that would help solve the ever growing drugs issue, or at least decrease the numbers of young drug users.

It is about time... that law abiding good people got some credit and services.... the drug addicts do not give a toss, so why should we:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

The unit could be useful to some law abiding, tax paying people, who maybe addicted to drugs prescribed by thier GP....or are they also low life scum?:(

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I think the main thing is that nobody would want this or any other establishment like it within their own community, its as simple as that

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

sums it up very well, no-one has voted "Oppose Re-habs" even though some have voted the daft options. bulk of vote is for old police station,which fer me is a far more suitable site.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

In theory the Old Police Station/Fire Station would seem to be a more suitable location, however its availability to the PCT is probably debateable. Its probably going to have to be placed within a facility that the PCT already own, which along with Avenue Parade, would also include The Pals Centre, The Acorn Centre, Accrington Victoria Hospital and maybe even a couple more such as the former ESMI Unit (The Mount) opposite Accy Vic, and the Metal Health Support Unit on the corner of Nuttall Street/Wellington Street.

The first two have recently been built at great expense (17Million quid), I'm quite sure that there is enough space in either of these buildings, (Or even scope to add on, if needed) for a unit of this type to be incorporated into it, if the PCT have a desire to do this. Because this unit would then take up only a relatively small portion of the existing structure, it would be able to function in a more anonymous way than say a "Stand Alone" unit, in a purely residential area. Again Accrington Victoria, whilst being in a more built up area (Residential wise) than the previous two, could contain a unit within its confines, in a much less invassive way than a Stand Alone unit. If needs be perhaps a separate entrance could be created on Whalley road, to access that side of the Hospital area.

I dont know what the feasibility of the last two suggestions would be, The Mount is perhaps already fully operating to capacity. However the Mental Health Resource at Wellington St/Nuttall Street, could perhaps provide an alternative. Its more "Set back" with Car Parking than would be the case on Avenue Parade, and that particular section isnt as residential either. It would perhaps mean moving those services already there to somewhere else...perhaps such as Avenue Parade.

I do feel that use of the above facilities would prove less disruptive than what is currently being proposed. I also feel that it would not affect Property Values in the same way either, as the one on Avenue Parade would. Estate Agents have said Property values would drop between 8%-12% in the immeadiate area, with a Stand Alone Unit as is currently proposed. Contained within an existing medical facility, large enough to absorb it, property values would not be affected in this way.

I do feel that the Petition is indeed wothwhile, and that if sufficient pressure is brought to bear, than the PCT could be made to re-consider. Most of the Options mooted above, did get mentioned at the Meeting (I was There), however a deaf ear seemed to be turned to some, and at times certain things were missed due to the heated nature of some exchanges.

Its interesting to note that, until now at least, this matter has not been discussed at "Full Council" level. Hopefully thats about to be rectified, might be interesting to hear what thoughts come out of there, assuming that takes place. Council cant veto the plans because planning consent was'nt needed, however its not very often plans of this nature would go ahead, if Council expressed objections to it!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I dont know what the feasibility of the last two suggestions would be, The Mount is perhaps already fully operating to capacity. However the Mental Health Resource at Wellington St/Nuttall Street, could perhaps provide an alternative. Its more "Set back" with Car Parking than would be the case on Avenue Parade, and that particular section isnt as residential either. It would perhaps mean moving those services already there to somewhere else...perhaps such as Avenue Parade. ----- that sounds logical to me. still HBC n logic aint the best mix in the world.:rolleyes:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

This is what is called a NIMBY.:)

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Perhaps all residents should be petitioning for the proposed centre being near them, in the hope their property only falls by 8-12%.

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk...to_record_low/

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

So it is okay to move it to Wellington Street/Nuttall Street? Would children from those areas not be allowed to walk to and from school without coming into contact with the centre? Sounds more like as long as it isn't in my area it is ok to me.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

That's the impression that's coming across.;)

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

hey! that is my area :D yeah go for it lol

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

The NIMBY accusations are total codswallap.....for a start the Wellington Street/Nuttall Street location is not surrounded on all sides by Residential Housing...which is the reason i suggested that!!...However as you will see i have made several other suggustions too, and i think my reasoning for those being more appropriate are well considered!

Its seems to me its more a case of a few people are now starting to worry in case it ends up nearer to them.....would'nt that perhaps be called a NIMBY attitude??

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

it is across from an old folks home and sheltered accomodation tho.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

But still not as built up a residential area as the one currently being proposed!!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Do you not think the elderly have enough problems already without sitting a rehab unit in their back yard

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Plenty of Elderly People live on Avenue Parade too!!...As you will see, I've made several other viable alternatives also, all owned by the PCT, and as such suitable for consideration!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

There are old people everywhere Taggy, but in this area they are all old people, old people and people with addiction problems don't mix very well, although I understand what your saying. The things is, a the end of the day the powers hat be will make the decision and there isn't a thing anybody can do to change that

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Right i have edited the off thread chat out and edited the poll as this is a serous thread can we please stay on topic ta

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Thank you Mick: Karma on its way to you:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Just read on the Telegraph Web Site, that the Health Authority Have scraped the idea of housing this dependence unit in Avenue Parade, one up for common sense

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Who said Accy Web had no clout?:boxing_sm:cheers:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Nothing to do with Accyweb unless you want to give Cllr Jones a mention amoungst others, what do you say Jaysay? SEE NEXT POST.:rolleyes:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Not this time !!!

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

No I left the politics to you.:D

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Nothing to do with politics.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Sorry bagpuss, but they did make the decision, the only thing is that this time they made the right one for a change. Even so where are they going to put it, there's a letter in this mornings Observer saying they don't want it in the new centre like some have suggested.:confused:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

good to see commonsense prevail, whoever its down to deserves credit.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

how about putting some land aside at whinney hill tip so they can be with the rest of the crap society dosnt want around their homes?

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Do you mind accuman there are some self respecting rats up there, you wouldn't wish them on even rats would you. I'd say the top of coppice but its far to nice too

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

can you prescribe a bullet to the head as it would be a much cheaper and effective treatment for drug addicts

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I am very happy with the end result: now wonder where they will try to stick it:

no doubt they will waste yet more money... it should go at the Hospital: end of:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I think it was common sense in the end. The PCT said they had been in discussions with Council for 2 years and when the partnership (HBC+PCT) collapsed on Wednesday last week (26th the day before the Board was due to decide) it was over.

The PCT apologised. They said no-one at the Council had told them anything other than the Green light. They were told residents were on board as were ward councillors. They could and would not trample on people's views. So it was over for Peel house. That will NEVER be considered for such a facility.

The campaign was excellent. Right idea - Wrong Location. It was obvious the problem was the Council doing back door deals. The residents knew by getting me (as opposition leader) to table a motion against The Council, and The MP to call for it to stop (The Parliamentary campaign Greg v PeterB), one side would force the other to capitulate.

As the PCT said several times, if the Council withdraws support the scheme collapses. Of course there are afters. Greg is being blamed for an opportunist who wrote his objection letter 'in blood' as Councillor Paul Barton described it to 120 angry residents who wanted to lynch him.

And Bernard and myself for listening to the PCT in summer before being the ones to kick up a fuss first in early September. The Council and the PCT had in fact done a deal to control the agenda but when the pact between the PCT & HBC could not be broken we spoke out.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dependency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Siberia, The Arctic Circle or even a prison ship anchored of the coast of Somalia, what about that?

I think a ransome for the return of that lot would fall on deaf ears.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I cannot for the life of me think why drugs and alcohol sould be related. Maybe as a coctail they go together.
I have had an addiiction since I was thirteen years old to tobacco and still enjoy a smoke at 69.
I have had one or two hiccups along the way but thanks to our good health service I am still here to tell the tale.
I don't have to attend rehab and have probably cost the NHS about one tenth of what I've paid in.
I am reminded of the comic record 'You do what with it Walter...set fire to it'
Sniffing, Injecting or other means of taking Class A, B or C drugs should be made illegal.
Never mind they are for my own use.....Bring it to the Statute books.

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

I take it that is a reference to Sir Walter Raliegh Also famous for the introduction of the Potato.
And also giving the Spanish a load of G B H:D:D

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

You may just get some GBH of the inner ear from Roy for that Beni:D

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

That's the guy....and I'ts still legal to have a smoke in Spanish bars.

The Spanish don't do history

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Good to see a common sense decision reached in the end. It does also show that positive results can be achieved by protest. Such a pity it had to get to this late stage before the council could be dragged into the fray. If residents had been made aware of this in March, when the Council were, a lot of stress and panic could have been avoided. Wonder why "Britters" can see its the wrong place now, but could'nt back then??

Will be interesting to see where they now think the preferred location will be, and what they will decide to use the Avenue Parade location for. Perhaps they will let it exist in all its derelict glory....just to teach residents a lesson!!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Accept the Gold Award for most stupid comment of the week ... :rolleyes:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

At the meeting in Scaitcliffe House, the Doctor who was joint chair of the meeting asked the Residents if they would like to see the building left as it is now, derelict, or turned into a smart, modern resource facility!! Rather suggesting it was..either..or!! No other suggestions as to its future use have so far been put forward by the PCT, despite them being asked what other options they had been or could be considering.

I rather feel you qualify more for the Gold Award than I!!!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

Won't be long before it is a car park:

Re: Drug and Alcohol Dendency Unit on Avenue Parade
 

That maybe better than a broken own eyesore magpie