Circumstances ‘horrendous’ for all concerned - Councillor

DROMORE Ulster Unionist Councillor and Skeagh House Action Committee chairperson Carol Black was among the first to visit the residential home after news emerged of its evacuation.

“It was a very strange feeling,” she said, “to go in there and find it all so still and quiet.

“It must have been a very emotional experience for residents; this is, for most, their home, after all; the people around them are like family.”

Councillor Black praised Skeagh House staff for their handling of the crisis, making sure of residents’ safety and accompanying them to their alternative accommodation.

“It was amazing,” she said, “how many people rallied round, how many staff came in on their day off to help.

“It all went really well; it was calm and organised at a crucial time.”

Just the same, she said, the situation as it arose, particularly coming at the Easter break, was nothing short of “horrendous” for all concerned, Skeagh House and Barban Hill Terrace residents alike.

Ms. Black said too she had been in touch with Skeagh House Action Committee vice-chairperson Louis Boyle, currently on holiday.

The committee is forced to consider what influence, if any, the forced evacuation may bring to bear in respect of current proposals to close the residential home.

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