ST JOHN’S HOME WOULD BE IDEAL FOR MALTA CLIENTS

Independent living centre idea has real potential

AMAZING how one story can lead to another.

Last week, local councillor Frank Godfrey staged a protest at St John’s Home at the top of Peter Street, basically stating that it should not be lying idle at a time when the area is crying out for housing.

‘Defenders of Drogheda’s Heritage group’ and Cllr Godfrey say that the home has been left in a ‘shameful’ state over the past decade. ‘It is overgrown with weeds and trees, especially in the courtyard. It is sad to see this fine red-brick structure in the heart of Drogheda run down and lying idle when there are so many on the housing list who would really appreciate a town centre dwelling.’

The alcove of houses were built in 1816 and was once home to war widows.

While chatting to Frank I came across Paul O’Sullivan with a ‘real life’ story. Five of his children are on the housing list in town, one for six years and remarks that it is tough for people today who are trying to get a settled lifestyle.

And while the group protested, I then met a worker from the nearby Malta Services on Fair Street and she proposed something that should also be considered.

They cater for 100 adults at the centre, many of whom live with elderly parents. When they are no longer around, their children face a very uncertain future.

Her idea is that St John’s Home should be turned into an accommodation centre for people with intellectual disabilities.

They could live there and walk across to their Fair Street base each day, a case of independent living in a central location.

So I wonder would the trustees of the home sign it over to the service to allow such a wonderful development to happen?

The location must be used in some way before it falls down and becomes a terrible eyesore. PICTURE: Frank Godfrey’s group is calling for the derelict St. Jonh’s Home at St. Peter’s Square to be put to good use.