Squatters set up makeshift tent at North Richmond injecting room
Safety fears are growing among North Richmond residents after a makeshift camp was erected outside the embattled injecting room.
Victoria
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A makeshift squatters camp has been set up outside Richmond’s controversial injecting room.
The large tent, made of cardboard boxes and covered by linen, is set up directly outside the embattled North Richmond injecting room.
The squatters living inside the tent have attached a needle disposal bin to the temporary structure, which has infuriated local residents.
Concerned locals told the Herald Sun the camp had been set up for several days and complaints to authorities had fallen upon deaf ears.
A North Richmond resident said she had concerns drugs were being used inside the tent.
“It’s just a joke,” she said.
“No one feels safe to go to their local health facility.”
When the Herald Sun approached the occupant of the camp, a woman responded.
“It’s none of your business why we are here,” she said.
“You don’t have the right to take a photo, don’t put anything about us in the paper.”
When asked if she needed any assistance with housing the woman responded: “I don’t need any help.”
The North Richmond facility has been controversial since its inception, with claims it has become a honey pot for drug users and dealers.
A second safe injecting room has been touted for Flinders Street in Melbourne’s CBD which has garnered widespread critisim from local traders in the area.
Victoria Police said they were aware of “people who are experiencing homelessness and are camping on Lennox Street”.
“Police are working alongside DHHS and Yarra City Council to ensure they have more permanent accommodation,” police spokeswoman Alex Day said.
Ms Day said several ongoing operations continue to run in the area targeting illegal activity, which has resulted in police arresting over 200 individuals for drug trafficking in Richmond since July 2019.
A Homes Victoria statement said: “We are ensuring the relevant supports are offered to anyone who may have been staying in the structure, while arranging for it to be removed and the site to be cleaned.”
North Richmond Community Health were contacted for comment but declined to comment.
The Department of Health was also contacted.
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