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Kirk concern over Aberdeen alcohol support
Crown Street service set to close at the end of March
The Moderator has voiced her concern
at plans to withdraw an alcohol support service
in Aberdeen city centre.
Aberdeen City Council and Grampian Health Board
announced that funding would not be renewed for
the Crown Street Alcohol Centre and it will close
on 31st March 2008 after thirty years in operation.
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In 2007 there were over 300 referrals to the centre
to help those suffering with alcohol addiction.
Right Reverend Sheilagh Kesting,
embarking on a three day tour of Aberdeen Presbytery
tomorrow, expressed her deep regret at the decision:
"The problems caused by the
abuse of alcohol in our society are felt by everyone
and concern us all.
"In my year as Moderator I
have seen the devastating effect that alcohol can have
on people's lives and recognise the need for places
which offer help and support.
"It is always a concern when
any available help disappears."
Earlier this week, ministers across Aberdeen spoke
of their angst at the closure of the Crown Street facility.
Reverend Marian Cowie,
Aberdeen Presbytery press officer, echoed the Moderator's
fears:
"It is alarming that this closure
has come against the back cloth of increased levels
of alcohol abuse in the North East.
"Only too recently the national
news carried disturbing images of the consequences of
alcohol abuse in our city centre.
"We can now only hope that
another charity will come forward."
This property was gifted to the Aberdeen Presbytery
in 1977 by the Temperance Association.
Whilst the presbytery's role was as landlord to the
charity, it did not contribute to any staffing salaries
or the ongoing funding of the project. As landlord it
requested a peppercorn rent which it never actually
collected.
Miss Kesting has a busy weekend in Aberdeen - tomorrow
she is leading worship in King's College Chapel, and
later that day she is presenting long service certificates
at Rubislaw Church. Among those being honoured is Aberdeen
Presbytery Moderator Maureen Simpson.
On Saturday she will have lunch with various ministers
and elders at Midstocket Church Centre, and the final
day of her visit is back at the university, where she
will preach at its Founder's Day celebration.
Ends.
Note to News Desks
For enquiries, or photo and interview possibilities, please
contact Gordon Bell, media relations officer, on 0131
240 2243 or email gbell@cofscotland.org.uk
nr/10/02/2008
Thursday 7, February 2008
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