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Neighbours fight drug centre plan
By Ian Hunt - August 12th 1999
Dozens of people have signed a petition to try to prevent a drugs
and alcohol treatment centre form setting up in Neath.
The West Glamorgan Council For Alcohol and Drug Abuse wasn't so
open an outpatient facility at Victoria Gardens for people and their
families who have experienced problems.
But some residents living nearby fear the people using the centre
would pose a threat to children and would lower the value of their
properties.
Wayne Brown, of Ena Avenue, whose wife Debbie is organising a petition,
said: "although we have nothing against the facility in principal,
we have a number of reasons to oppose it.
"There are a lot of children living around Victoria Gardens
and we are concerned that they might come across needles or even
drug users themselves in the park.
Mr Brown added:" There is also a concern that property values
would fall as a result of the facility opening."
But Norman Preddy, a director of the organisation said: "We
already have a base in Neath at Alfred Street and we haven't had
one incident there in the five years it has been open.
"We will not be operating a needle exchange scheme and the
centre is by appointment only, so there is no risk to the children.
"We have had people each side of us in our Swansea Office
for 20 years and they have never had a problem with the value of
their property.
"It is a shame that some people don't understand what we are
all about - if only they could come along and see for themselves
the work we do."
The application is due to be considered by Neath Port Talbot Council
next month.
A spokesman for the authority said: "any petitions and letters
of objection will be taking into consideration when the councillors
meet to consider the proposal.
"It is understood that the centre would be for people who
have given up drug and alcohol abuse."
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