Wary of new neighbours

By Kelly Yates
A BERWICK man says he knows all too well the type of youths the Bellevue Drive project could potentially attract.
Michael Marsh told the News he supported the idea of the program by the Department of Human Services and WAYSS, but believed its management was inappropriate.
“I understand these kids as I was in and out of the system when I was growing up,” he said.
“Sticking these youths in a bunch of units without supervision at night and on weekends is asking for trouble. The lack of supervision is my concern.”
Mr Marsh’s Centre Road property backs onto the units.
The 35-year-old describes the area as a “safe, relatively quiet family oriented area.”
“I don’t know that this spot is entirely suitable for the project but at the same time, I don’t know where is,” he said.
“I’ve seen the worst in the system and it’s not pretty. DHS failed to protect me when I was a child and I don’t think they’re protecting these kids with this type of project.”
As reported in last week’s News, WAYSS CEO Kim Stowe said the youths involved had experienced homelessness or were at risk of homelessness.
The program is set to be up and running in the new year.