Lurgan hostelmay reopen says SDLP MLA

MLA Dolores Kelly told the Mail representatives of Shankill Lurgan Community Project were in talks with the NI Housing Executive to discuss a new business plan and the possibility of recommissioning the service for vulnerable young people.

The MLA said she was pleased the project was moving in the right direction.

When contacted by the Mail, Janice Bunting who had been the manager of Lurgan Foyer confirmed that talks were taking place. She said the NIHE had carried out its own audit in July which had indicated the Executive had failed to follow its own procedure in decommissioning the service. While it had now decided to tender for the service, Janice explained that this was not normal procedure and that talks were at a preliminary stage. “I am hopeful that the service could be provided next year.”

An NIHE spokesperson said it “can confirm that it is entering into discussions relating to the development of a possible service for vulnerable young people in the Lurgan area. This is at an early stage”.