£2m funding for alcohol projects

The money will go to Foyle Haven and the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum

Two projects in Londonderry which tackle alcohol-related problems have been awarded £2m in funding from the National Lottery.

The Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum will get £1m to promote the safe sale and consumption of alcohol in Derry.

The rest of the money was awarded to Foyle Haven, which works with street drinkers.

Forum manager Tony Doherty said it is vital the next generation has a sensible attitude to alcohol.

"Prolonged drinking and binge drinking have become more common than ever in the city.

"Alcohol causes major damage to the social fabric, has a close link to domestic violence and suicide and is generally considered to be a situation that is out of control.

"We hope to develop education and training programmes highlighting the physical, mental, domestic and community damage caused by alcohol abuse," he said.

Darren McPartland, project manager at Foyle Haven, said the money would be used to extend their opening hours.

He said this would help reduce the high levels of assaults and crime against street drinkers.

"Recent figures from the PSNI have revealed that in one year there were 158 reported incidents of violent crime in the John Street area, and 155 of these were crimes against street drinkers.

"This project will make a major difference in improving the safety and health of our clients, and reducing crime in the John Street area.

"Our project will act as a hub for street drinkers who can use our facilities up until 10pm at night," he said.