Outrage over drug clinic plans for Bishopbriggs
FEARS have been raised over plans to open an outreach clinic for drug users in an upmarket residential area.
The clinic, based in Brackenbrae House, in Bishopbriggs, would issue prescriptions to drug users, offer counselling and support for people with drug and alcohol related problems, and monitor their health and wellbeing.
East Dunbartonshire Community Addiction Team want to establish the outreach clinic in order to provide a service for people who live in the Bishopbriggs and Auchinairn areas.
But the move has raised concerns for local residents who feel it is a mistake to put the outreach clinic in a residential area.
James Forrester said: "Every resident I've spoken to thinks siting this unit in an area which is 100 per cent residential is outrageous.
"They've done this so secretly, no-one knew anything about it.
"It sounds like nimbyism, but it is a huge concern when kids are involved.
"I've seen drug users in the chemist shop. God help them, but this is not a suitable area for them to be coming to."
It's thought the outreach clinic service will be similar to those that are currently running in Lennoxtown, Twechar and Milngavie.
Outreach service users from Bishopbriggs and Auchinairn, who currently access the main community addiction team base in Kirkintilloch, have reportedly been unhappy about the extent of travel required at present.
Brackenbrae House currently provides a meeting place for various community groups.
It has been included in a review of council owned community halls as part of an ongoing budget process that requires the council to make savings of 8million in 2010/11.
A spokesperson for East Dunbartonshire Council said: "In order to support the range of needs of residents within East Dunbartonshire, the council has outreach facilities across the authority area.
"One area where there is a demand for this type of provision, but no services are presently operating, is Bishopbriggs.
The spokesperson added: "At this point in time, premises are being considered in order to offer this valuable service."
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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