Further to the article in our last Newsletter, we wrote to John Connolly - Operations Manager of Vitality Homes Ltd - following the granting of planning permission for the conversion of 63-69 High Street to 'serviced accommodation' for former addicts. We asked a number of questions, and this was his reply:

"We had discussed our application with several professional health care workers together with other experienced operational professionals in this specialised sector. It was clearly our intention after planning to meet formally with all the accepted relevant bodies to discuss our objectives. Those meetings are well underway and progressing admirably".

"The offer for accommodation is solely to those who have abstained from substance misuse for a minimum period of 24 weeks. This period maybe adjusted after a health professional has assessed the individual case. Each of the service users applying to stay in the accommodation will be interviewed by a panel made up of health care professionals and senior management. All service users will sign up to a licence that will have strict terms and conditions that they must adhere to. No persons will be allowed to stay in the accommodation who have not progressed through a proven documented abstinence period. No person with a background of violence or sexual offences will be allowed to use the accommodation. The offer of accommodation will be to those persons who genuinely want to re-integrate back into society where they can make a positive contribution".

More recently, we wrote again, seeking reassurance regarding the arrangements for on-site supervision, but have not as yet received a reply. For the avoidance of any doubt, we also expressed disgust at the vandalism that took place in the aftermath of the Planning Committee's decision.