Tell me I'm not dreaming this one up. A recent contract notice system threw the following up as a new research project that is currently being let in the UK..
Research into the Needs of Street Drinkers in [..the specified location] ...to ascertain the need for, and recommendations for delivery of, a managed place or places where street drinkers may drink alcohol. Estimated contract start date: 01/04/2010. Estimated contract end date: 30/06/2010 Contract Period: 3 (months)....
I did a bit of digging and found out the details. The work is being let by a regional charity in the north of England, already providing welcome shelters for the homeless and 'soup kitchen' style support.
Don't get me wrong I'm all for that sort of service and the potential that then exists to talk with these people and start them on their way to overcoming some of their problems.. But there's a big leap between helping people in general and allowing them to drink on your premises when it's too cold or wet for them outside??
A quick goggle at google finds this too:
Wet Day Centres for Street Drinkers: A Research Report and Manual
So, next time you are luxuriating in the warm and cosy confines of your local pub raise a glass to 'Street Drinkers', a new disadvantaged group in society that the New Labour machine wants to help... Where will it end?
Is this yet more evidence of the UK's public sector money (i.e. our tax take) being wasted on wasters? Make your own mind up. Mine already is.
Just to rub insult into the waste of money, here's a pic of a sleepy drunk guy taken at around 11:00 am one Saturday last year in a north of England town that shall remain unnamed - sat on a bench in front of a water feature / public art sculpture (call it what you will - you bought it after all) that was part of the town's regeneration effort. Effort being a very fitting description. Clearly didn't make much of an impression on him or change his outlook on life in any substantial way?
I'll be posting more on the subject of public funded art projects soon.
However, whilst bobbing around the web researching this post I did find this little gem worth a link and click - Leo Leigh film love story
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