ASYLUM seekers in Glasgow's Red Road flats are facing an uncertain future after plans for new housing were mysteriously shelved.

The residents - who are the last ever to live in the notorious Red Road high-rise development - are due to be moved out later this month.

It is understood they will be placed temporarily in the Euro Hostel in Glasgow City Centre.

But proposals lodged with the council to turn the former Scottish Water offices in the north of the city into permanent short-stay accommodation for up to 200 newly-arrived asylum seekers have been dropped.

Housing provider Orchard and Shipman, which works on behalf of Serco and the Home Office, had identified the industrial site at 419 Balmore Road, Parkhouse, as a suitable alternative to Red Road.

The plans were hugely controversial and attracted more than 600 online and postal comments and objections in total.

The council confirmed yesterday the plans had been withdrawn, and local people say the news is a ictory for their campaign.

Resident Ed McAuley said: "This is a great result for the community because we have raised over 600 objections.

"The amount of people who had their say on this has been unbelievable.

"We have been saying the Scottish Water site is unsuitable. The building is tiny and there's no local facilities."

However Mr McAuley said the Red Road residents were the victims. He said: "The people who have been caught up in the middle of all this have been the asylum seekers. I really feel for them.

"The problem with Balmore Road is that it all felt underhand.

"People identified with that and that's why they were suspicious of what was happening straight away."

The Red Road development is due to be knocked down next year.

Organisers of the 2014 Commonwealth Games had originally planned to blow up five of the blocks during the Opening Ceremony, but the proposal was met by protests and scrapped.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "A planning application was submitted on October 13.

"I can confirm that it was withdrawn on Wednesday."

The Home Office said it was committed to providing safe homnes for asylum seekers.

A spokesperson said: "The UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need it and we are committed to providing safe and secure accommodation while cases are considered.

"Our housing providers have a duty to supply accommodation to an agreed standard and the Home Office has robust mechanisms in place to monitor standards.

"The current contract for Petershill Drive to be used for housing provision comes to an end later this year.

"Our accommodation provider is currently identifying alternative accommodation for asylum seekers and we are working with them, local partners and Glasgow City Council."

rachel.loxton @eveningtimes.co.uk