While many clubs are incorporating in order to protect club directors and members, a local charity recently did so for another reason -- to buy property.

President of Focus Counselling Service, Rory Gorman, said the charity incorporated on December 6, 2000 to facilitate the purchase of a piece of property in St. George's where it plans to locate a controversial halfway house.

"It would have made the transition a lot more complicated if we had remained unincorporated,'' Mr. Gorman explained. But he admitted it was also important to protect the company directors and members.

"It is always an issue in any activity that you perform...that you are able to provide insurance for the directors and members. It is a clear concern.'' He added: "It was felt that in any event the charity has grown to a size where it needs the discipline of being an incorporated entity.'' Last month nearby residents were enraged when they discovered through the news that the new halfway house for men would be located near their homes.

They complained that they were not told in advance about the facility, which promised to attract unsavoury people to their neighbourhoods.

Focus attempted to hold a meeting where the community could publicly voice its concerns, but poor communication resulted in poor turnout.

Mr. Gorman said: "We want to address residents' concerns as soon as possible, but given the holiday we felt we had to wait until those activities were over so all residents have a chance to attend any meeting that would be organised.'' Though no date has been set thus far, Mr. Gorman said the meeting will take place as soon as possible.

DRUGS DGS