A RESIDENTIAL unit for problem kids on the outskirts of Glasgow today re-opened five months after it was shut after a riot.

A RESIDENTIAL unit for problem kids on the outskirts of Glasgow today re-opened five months after it was shut after a riot.

The St Mary's Kenmure facility at Bishopbriggs was forced to close in March after children went on the rampage.

The security system was destroyed in fires, four staff were injured and 10 kids escaped.

The incident happened only weeks after police in riot gear had to be used to restore order when staff were attacked during a disturbance. Furious workers later described the unit as a "war zone".

The unit has housed some of Scotland's most dangerous youngsters. A former resident was Luke Mitchell, the convicted murderer of Jodie Jones.

Run by the Cora Foundation for the Catholic Church, it re-opened after £500,000 was spent on new security measures.

Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing was shown round the unit last week along with local MSP David Whitton.

He said management should have invited residents on the tour too in an attempt to re-assure locals the unit was secure. Instead Mr Whitton claimed that locals had not been told of today's re-opening.

But a church spokesman insisted the re-opening would be phased and every effort had been taken to make sure it was secure.

Capacity at the East Dunbartonshire facility has also been cut by a fifth. St Mary's Kenmure will now house 24 children, which is six less than before.