Criticism of the Crisis Centre, where hundreds gather to swap discarded plastic for food, is not justified. So says stalwart Carol Bradley, who for five years has overseen the highly successful scheme that has raised much-needed funds and provided maas, yoghurt, juice and other food (mainly to the elderly).
Some residents of Birkett Street who contacted the Courier said those who gather on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays leave behind a mess, urinate and even have sex in the area, while waiting for their provisions.
Mrs Bradley discounts the accusations, saying it is unlikely that the pensioners would indulge in any sexual activity while waiting to bring in their plastic.
“We attract between 400 and 500 people, three times a week. Yes, there is a mess sometimes once the crowd leaves, which the volunteers at the Crisis Centre clean up. We have had complaints of people sitting on people’s verges, but because these people are mainly elderly, they hardly pose a security risk.”
Mrs Bradley said she has observed incidents of people urinating in public, but the culprits were at the time admonished, and there have been no similar incidents recently.
“The Crisis Centre is operating very successfully, and the plastic-for-food scheme is proving a winner. Sometimes success attracts jealousy.”
Asked about criticism that the centre ‘gives out expired food’, Mrs Bradley said provisions are all donated and usually passed the sell-by date, rather than expired.
“We have always told beneficiaries that if they have a problem with any product, they must please come back and we will exchange it. However, it must be pointed out that a product has not necessarily expired if the sell-by date has passed.”
Another concern for Carol is that the Department of Social Services has not paid out the usual grant to the Crisis Centre for four months. Mrs Bradley believes this is because of ‘red tape’, and the situation has put even more strain on the centre.
On a more positive note, she expressed hope that the centre will soon be expanded, and therefore be in a position to assist even more people.