A REFUGEE support charity has warned plans to move asylum seekers from the Red Road flats before permanent housing is ready could put vulnerable people at risk.

The Scottish Refugee Council has raised concerns over proposals to transfer newly-arrived asylum seekers from the Red Road housing development to hostel accommodation.

They have also urged the council to scrutinise plans to develop the former Scottish Water site in Balmore Road into housing for people seeking refuge in the country.

The plea came after the application received around 300 objections from residents.

The Evening Times reported last week how a drop-in meeting at Lambhill Stables turned into a heated debate.

The Refugee Council said it shared concerns with the community about the suitability of the site.

In a statement the charity said: "Initial accommodation is currently provided at the last Red Road flat at Petershill Drive, but these properties are not expected to be available after end-2014, and there is a tight timeframe to find a positive alternative, with unsuitable hostel accommodation likely.

"There is therefore a pressing need to find a housing solution, and we call for sensible decisions to be made urgently, without sacrificing the specific needs and vulnerabilities of people who have been through horrendous experiences."

The charity said current proposals "do not meet these principles" and added: "neither does hostel accommodation likely to be used to 'park' people while new accommodation is decided on".

Head of policy and communications Gary Christie added: "There is a serious risk that new asylum seekers will be unsafe, insecure, disconnected from services and that they feel that they are living a twilight existence.

"If society is to be judged on how it treats its most fragile residents, these plans are woefully inadequate."

The Refugee Council urged contractor Serco and the Home Office to have a clearer dialogue with residents.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The UK has a proud history of granting asylum and we are committed to providing safe and secure accommodation while cases are considered.

"The current contract for Petershill Drive to be used for housing provision comes to an end later this year. Our accommodation provider has identified an alternative location and we are working with them, local partners and Glasgow City Council."

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk