Rehab centre plans above nursery sparks protest

Parents of children in an east London nursery have protested against council plans for a drug rehabilitation centre to be created in the same building.

Tower Hamlets council intends to introduce a "culturally sensitive substance misuse recovery centre" in the floor above Step by Step nursery in Wapping.

On Saturday, parents told BBC London at a demonstration the location was not appropriate for such a facility.

The council has said the centre would "exclusively" cater for people "stable in their recovery", including "specialist recovery space for women" and it welcomed feedback on its plans.

Nursery manager Kelly Smith said she was a "bit frightened" by the plans but felt "so lucky" to have the support of families in opposing the move.

"This building says 'Wapping Children's Centre' on the side," said Elliot, a parent.

"Why not use it for what it was originally intended for? Providing support for children, for families, for mothers within our community."

He added that the location "doesn't make any sense" for either the users of the facility or the nursery staff and parents.

Dawid, 11, who joined the protest, added: "I'm quite disappointed with some people at the council for even suggesting such a thing.

"I think it's extremely inappropriate for a drug rehabilitation centre to be just above a nursery."

Families have also claimed the council did not conduct a proper consultation or planning notification and did not engage with their concerns.

Matt Melbye, the chair of the St Katherine’s and Wapping safe neighbourhood ward panel, said he welcomed the centre but questioned the location.

"If you look at Tower Hamlets and the drug problems that the borough has [then] absolutely these provisions are needed, absolutely required," he said.

"The concern here is location," he added.

A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said: "As this centre is meant to serve the needs of our community, feedback from residents will be vital to its success.

“The centre is exclusively for individuals who have completed a programme of treatment and are stable in their recovery."

They added: "It will offer a range of services supporting marginalised groups in our community, including a specialist recovery space for women as well as help for families."

The council described centres of this kind as a "lifeline" for those recovering from substance abuse and their carers.

It would also provide education, advice, and training for carers, schools, and the community, with resident input considered vital to its success, the spokesperson said.

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