Northern suburbs residents are gearing up to fight plans by a controversial rehabilitation facility to use a former convent to run the women’s arm of its “tough love” program.

Shalom House confirmed it purchased the Mercyville Hostel in Craigie so it can move its women’s program from Bullsbrook, where it has faced opposition from nearby residents and the local council for failing to comply with planning laws.

Peter Lyndon-James, Shalom House Founder told 6PR Mornings host Gary Adshead that the Craigie location will be able to help over 50 women recover and rehabilitate in a safe location.

“I think the whole of Western Australia would agree that we need more facilities like Shalom but the issue is, anywhere else besides next door to me,” he told Gary.

“I’m trying to focus on 165 people who are trying to get their lives back on track – we have never had a police complaint or had ambulances on the property in the history of Shalom.”

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