Word due on home site probe

So said the Southern Health and Social Care Trust in response to The Leader’s enquiries this week.

A Trust spokesperson revealed that even now, long after the landslip that forced the evacuation of the Dromore residential home, some soil continues to to spill over the wall at the rear of Skeagh House, where steps have been taken to protect the windows.

It further emerged that four of Skeagh House’s 12 evacuated residents have now been permanently relocated to homes in the Independent Sector.

“Following the landslip at the rear gardens of a row of houses directly behind Skeagh House in Dromore,” the spokesperson said, “extensive site investigations, to ascertain the composition and safety of the land surrounding Skeagh House, have been ongoing.

“It is expected the results of these investigations and analysis will be made available to the Trust in the next number of weeks. These results will be reviewed and will form the basis for a longer term strategy in relation to the site.

“Depending on the recommendations and extent of work required to stabilise the bank will dictate the timeframe on any long term solution.

“There continues to be some spillage of soil over the small retaining wall to the rear of Skeagh House and the rear of the building has now been sheeted to provide some protection to windows and the existing security measures continue to prevent unauthorised access to the site.”

Skeagh House’s eight remaining residents continue in temporary relocation at Banbridge’s Crozier House.

“Clients who normally receive day care or respite in Skeagh have been accommodated in other facilities including Crozier House/Lodge in full agreement with their families and are under the care of the community teams,” the spokesperson added.