Tower Hamlets Council is planning to open a drug recovery centre at John Onslow House One Stop Shop, right in the heart of Roman Road, Bow E3.

This location is in a busy, family-oriented high street, surrounded by independent businesses, primary schools, places of worship, and community hubs. It is just steps away from where families shop, children walk to school, and residents go about daily life.

We believe in supporting recovery services but placing a centre like this at John Onslow House, in such a central and sensitive location, is the wrong decision.

 

 

Here’s why we’re concerned:
🛍️ Our local economy is already under pressure
Small businesses, cafés, and market traders on Roman Road are still recovering from the pandemic and now facing the rising cost of living. The addition of a recovery centre at the core of the high street could reduce footfall, discourage investment, and put livelihoods at risk.

🚨 Community safety is at stake
Similar centres in other areas have been linked to anti-social behaviour, loitering, and public drug use. Roman Road is a place where families live, children walk to and from school, and elderly residents come for daily essentials, they deserve to feel safe.

🗣️ The community has not been consulted
This proposal has advanced without proper consultation with local residents, businesses, or community organisations. Major decisions that affect the character and safety of our neighbourhood must involve the people who live and work here. 

🏢 There are more suitable locations
We are not opposing recovery support, we are asking the Council to find a location that allows services to be delivered without compromising a thriving high street and residential area.

 
What we’re calling for:
❌ Stop the proposal to place the recovery centre at John Onslow House
📊 Conduct a full impact assessment on safety and economic outcomes
🗣️ Consult the community openly, fairly, and transparently
📍 Find an alternative site that respects both service users and the surrounding neighbourhood

 
We support recovery. We care about people.
But we also care about our homes, our children, our businesses, and the future of our high street. Roman Road and especially John Onslow House is not the right place.

📢 Sign this petition to protect Roman Road and demand a better plan.

 
Muhammad Choudhury
Vice Chairman – Bow Muslim Community Centre
📞 07853 038385