DUP support The Cottages

In a statement on Monday Alderman Maurice Devenney said he had been in touch with Minister Jim Wells to raise concern about the possible closure of the facility and what it would mean for the people who availed of its services.

“We have been advised that the Western Trust is taking no further action at this time, as regard the closure of the unit, and I am pleased that the Minister has agreed to meet a delegation from the DUP office in Londonderry. I understand that the date for the closure of this unit was to be at the end of the month,” said Mr Devenney.

“We are relieved that there is a stay of execution for the moment,” said Mr Devenney, continuing: “Once the meeting with the Minister takes place we will be raising residents’ concerns with him and hopefully, he will listen to those and agree to do a visit to The Cottages to see the facility for himself.”

Mr Devenney said he wanted to assure those who used it that he would be working to ensure their voice was heard and that the facility was kept open: “The DUP is against any strike against the most vulnerable in society.”