THE Housing Minister said he will be keeping a “close eye” on a Glasgow ‘hotel’ which houses men with severe addiction and social problems.

John Mason, Shettleston SNP MSP raised the conditions at the Bellgrove hotel in Gallowgate with the minister Kevin Stewart asking if he would toughen up the inspection regime for the premises.

There has been concerns about the living conditions at the hostel where more than 100 men stay, funded by housing benefits.

It has been criticised by many politicians and social campaigners and described as a “modern day poorhouse” conditions branded “rat infested” and “squalor” with residents saying the only way someone leaves is when they die.

Mr Mason asked if the Care Inspectorate’s Powers could be strengthened to allow it to inspect the Bellgrove and demand action.

The hotel is run under a House in Multiple Occupation licence and only has to comply with the rules surrounding HMOs.

Mr Mason said concerns first surfaced after a TV documentary in 2000.

He added: “Nothing of any real substance has happened since then, and there is no real inspection regime for the Bellgrove.”

Mr Stewart said it was ultimately a matter for Glasgow City Council but the hotel was something he was aware of and involved in discussions.

He said: “The priority is to ensure the wellbeing of the Bellgrove hotel’s residents and to see to it that their needs and wishes are considered. The hotel is not typical of homeless accommodation in Scotland, and the case involves very complex issues. I assure Mr Mason that I will continue to keep a close eye on the matter.”

The minister said that a wider strategy was required to try and deal with the myriad problems faced by the residents and not just the conditions of the hostel.

He said he would consider the role of the Care Ins.

He added: “The best interests of the Bellgrove’s residents can only be met as part of a wider approach that helps to address issues such as rough sleeping and the provision of homelessness services for those with the most complex needs in Glasgow.”

the manager of the hotel has previously told the Evening Times the Bellgrove is the “bottom rung of the ladder” for those who end up there, with no where else to go and no-one to turn to.

It was feared that if the Bellgrove closed due to the pressure owners were under then the men aged from 30 to 80 would be on the streets as nowhere else would take them given their chaotic lives.

The owners and management have also refuted claims the building is rat infested and have in the past produced environmental health reports and HMO inspections to show no evidence of vermin.