Residents slam council for closing popular drop-in centre

FURIOUS residents have hit out at council chiefs for closing down a support centre. The West Johnstone Drop-In Centre, in the Howwood Road housing estate, was popular with young people and was also a place where parents could go for support.

Renfrewshire Council’s social work department also used it as a base from which to run a service helping troubled children but, earlier this month the centre was closed and staff have now transferred to the main social work office in Johnstone.

Families who are angry that they weren’t told about the closure plans have launched a petition that has already gathered more than 400 signatures.

Mum-of-three Kathleen McEwan, 25, is among those who have slammed the decision to close the drop-in centre.

She used to go there with her eight-year-old daughter Breeanna and is urging council chiefs to reverse their decision.

Kathleen, pictured here with Breeanna, told the Paisley Daily Express: “It’s a real shame because the centre was a big help for parents. You got the chance to speak about how you were feeling and you could find out what help was available.

“The kids all played together in another room at the centre and it was a really good system.

“People could go there to get help to enjoy a better family life. I had been going there with my daughter for about a year and we definitely felt the benefits.

“It helped both of us. I know how to calm down and fix things between us now and the people at the drop-in centre played a big part in that.”

Kathleen, who is also mum to five-year-old Naomie and one-year-old Katie, believes there is nothing left in the way of support for residents in the Howwood Road estate.

Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: “This drop-in centre had been right in the heart of the community for about 20 years.

“The council haven’t consulted with any of the residents about this.

“I asked the council to form a focus group with residents to discuss the plans and alternatives but this hasn’t happened.

“Nothing official has been said about it. In the space of two weeks, more than 400 signatures have been collected on the petition.

“A lot of younger people are upset by the closure of the drop-in centre. They don’t have anything to do or anywhere to go.”

However, a spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said the shake-up of services in Johnstone will allow them to support a larger number of young people and their families in a more convenient way.

He added: “The West Johnstone Drop-In has been a base for the social work youth support team.

“The staff provide a group work and individual support programme for vulnerable young people and their families. They work with people from the wider Johnstone area and not just the immediate vicinity of the building.

“The West Johnstone Drop-In is not a community centre or public facility and no community groups use the building.

“The youth support staff are moving their office from Highcraig Avenue to the main social work office in the town centre.

“The group work and individual support for young people and their families will continue to be delivered from other venues within the community.”