"Drug treatment centres need more local consultation" - Michael German

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 4th Jul 2006

Local AM Mike German is calling for local people to have a greater say in where drug units are placed in our local communities.

"Drug rehab centres provide a vital service and having seen them at work, I know they do a great job. However, councils must consult with local people when planning these centres.

"Blackwood Community Group contacted me, to object to a drug treatment centre being located in their area, at Highbury House, next to Garfield St. Children's Park, Libanus Playing Fields and Libanus School.

"Over one thousand residents have signed a petition opposing the location of a proposed residential substance misuse centre at Highbury House in Blackwood. The local Council have given residents three weeks - which includes the start of the holiday period - to make their concerns known.

"I believe local authorities need clearer guidance from Carwyn Jones, the Planning Minister on appropriate locations for such centres.

"What is clear is that local authorities have difficulties in finding suitable locations. A clear statement that centres should not be located adjacent to educational establishments is what is needed.

"In addition, along with Owen John Thomas AM I have tabled a statement of opinion to the Assembly, calling for Councils to be required to consult local residents on cases like this."

Notes/Nodiadau:

Statements of Opinion are a mechanism for Assembly Members to draw attention to issues of concern, or to highlight achievements, by putting their views on a subject on the record and then encouraging other Members to add their name to the Statement.

The full text of the Statement of Opinion is as below:

This Assembly, whilst recognising the important work of drug rehabilitation centres calls for tighter guidelines on determining their locations within our communities

We believe that the quality of life of local residents must be considered fully - through a twelve week statutory consultation process - for the establishment of all new drug rehabilitation centres.