A quick look at the data or past stories by this newspaper will show that drug use is a problem in this city.

It affects the users and the people around them.

Drug use has been credited as the cause or motivation for a number of crimes in the city as well.

The alleged problem with the proposed rehab house has always been its location, not its relevance.

But this week, that problem ceased to exist when the appeal was upheld and the rehab house was given the green light to develop on Gurwood Street.

On one hand, residents should be thanking their lucky stars the city is getting a facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of drug users.

The driving force behind the facility, Debbie Cox, has first-hand experience supporting a loved one through the recovery process and is now turning her efforts to supporting others in the same situation.

The concerns by neighbours about the potential effects of having recovering users in a residential area are obvious and valid.

But rather than any further debate about the location of the facility, perhaps it is time for residents to help to make the patients feel more welcome, which could go a long way to their overall recovery.

There is no doubt every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of the clients and residents in the homes and streets surrounding the facility.

This issue has been tackled from all angles, all safety issues considered and the best outcomes for the clients and residents were taken into account.

As Ms Cox said, no matter where they nominated to go, they would run into a setback.

But the decision is made and the facility will likely go ahead as planned.

Now is the time for residents to start working with the developers, instead of against them, to ensure staff and clients integrate into the area.