CONCERNS have been raised over plans to open a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre beside a retirement home in the West End.

Phoenix Futures Scotland have purchased the former Munro Court Care Home in Anniesland with the intention of moving their current service from the North East of Glasgow.

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The property neighbours Castlebank Gardens Retirement Housing which is home to vulnerable elderly people who are unable to live independently.

Bosses at the residential rehab service said they are keen to move in to the former dementia specialist centre as it provides a more accessible and spacious environment for their staff and service users.

The plans, which are in the early stages, have already faced opposition from residents and local councillors, who claim the sale was done without adequate consultation.

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Owners of the property, Bield, issued a letter to tenants at the retirement home last week informing them of the plans which are already being considered by Glasgow City Council’s planning committee.

Planning bosses said the change in client group would not be relevant to their decision.

A spokesman for Bield, said: “Since the decision was made to close Munro Court in 2016, the property has been surplus to requirements and has lain unoccupied.

“A feasibility study during 2016/17 confirmed that there was little chance of development by Bield for other services due to existing design and site constraints.

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“Empty buildings increase security, fire and vandalism issues, so the sale to Phoenix Futures Scotland - a highly regarded, award-winning charity that has been operating successfully for 50 years - not only removes these threats but provides for an innovative use for the property.

“Indeed in time we believe the arrival of Phoenix Futures Scotland will be a benefit to the neighbouring residents in terms of potential partnership working and volunteering services.

“I am confident that the work of Phoenix Futures Scotland will, in time, have little direct impact on our residents.

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“The sale, like all commercial contracts, had to remain confidential while the process was underway. In addition, there is no requirement or remit for Bield to engage in formal consultations for transactions of this nature.

“Bield and Phoenix Futures Scotland have already met with residents to discuss their questions – and an additional meeting is also planned to allay any further concerns.”

Bosses at Phoenix Futures Scotland said they were keen to meet with local residents to clarify what they do.

A spokesman added: “There are obviously many different types of drug and alcohol treatment approaches and so we’re keen people understand this type of residential service and how we staff the service (24/7 cover), the fact it is a drug-and-alcohol free environment, the structured nature of the programme we run, the planned approach to admission and discharging clients on pre-arranged placements, the high levels of success rates and the strong evidence base.”

Councillor Malcolm Balfour will be holding a public meeting at Yarrow Bowling Club on Wednesday morning at 10am to discuss the plans.