Vulnerable 'at risk' as drug needle site closes

Independent councillor Paul McCusker warned the closure puts vulnerable people "at even greater risk" and he has lobbied the council to explore alternative locations.

"I am deeply concerned that any reduction in this service will have a devastating impact on the people who rely upon it," he said.

"I have known individuals who have suffered life-changing consequences as a result of addiction, including the loss of limbs, and sadly, the loss of life itself.

"Belfast is currently in the midst of a drug epidemic, yet the political response has not reflected the scale of the crisis."

McCusker founded a soup kitchen in north Belfast in 2017 and regularly campaigns on issues regarding homelessness, poverty and addiction.